CARICOM gravely concerned by Venezuela Navy interception in Guyana waters

CARICOM yesterday expressed grave concern at the reported interception by the Venezuelan navy on Saturday of a seismic research vessel flagged by The Bahamas, in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Guyana.

A statement by CARICOM Chairman, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holnesss said “Such acts violate the sovereign rights of Guyana under international law, its entitlement to a territorial sea, Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf, and pose a threat to Guyana’s economic development and national security.

“The Caribbean Community reiterates its full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, including its right to peacefully explore and exploit its onshore and offshore resources”.

In a statement to the Nation on Saturday evening, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge said that US oil company ExxonMobil had informed government that at 10:30 am that day the Ramform Tethys was intercepted while operating in the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf of Guyana.

“The vessel flagged by the Commonwealth of Bahamas has 70 crew members including the Captain and was intercepted at approximately 140 km from the nearest point on the provisional equidistant line with Venezuela,” Greenidge explained.

He stressed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejects the illegal, aggressive and hostile act perpetrated by the Venezuelan government which he said once again demonstrates the real threat to Guyana’s economic development posed by its western

neighbour.

The Ministry he noted will be bringing this latest act of illegality and blatant disrespect, “an Act which violates sovereignty and territorial integrity of our border” to the attention of the United Nations.

It is also in the process of informing the seven governments of the 70 crew members of the threat to their safety and issuing a formal communication to the Venezuelan government.

ExxonMobil issued a release on Saturday in which it stated that all seismic activities on the Stabroek Block have been paused until they can be safely continued. “Our main concern is for the safety of crew members and others in the area,” the company indicated adding that they are currently in contact with the relevant authorities.

The company which has so far discovered 10 viable prospects for oil extraction indicated that 3-D seismic data acquisition of the western portion of the Stabroek Block began this month.

The United States has since called on Venezuela to respect Guyana’s sovereignty and international law.