Guyana’s sovereignty non-negotiable, says President Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali has declared that Guyana will not be negotiating its sovereignty, as it is prepared to defend every inch of its territory should the need arise.
He made the remarks at the opening of the new Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Air Corps hangar at Ogle, which was recently acquired from the Guyana Sugar Corporation to enhance the Force’s air capabilities.
President Ali noted that while the new facility aims to provide key humanitarian services, including search and rescue operations and other vital functions, it will also serve to monitor threats from neighbouring Venezuela.
The President of the Bolivarian Republic, Nicolás Maduro, despite brazenly intruding into Guyana’s maritime territory and aggressively seeking to hold elections in Guyana’s Essequibo region, has called for a face-to-face meeting with Guyana’s Head of State.
President Ali stated today that while Guyana believes in dialogue, it will not engage in any talks under duress, particularly when Venezuela has repeatedly violated the orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as well as the Argyle Declaration, to which it agreed in 2023.
The President asserted that Venezuela’s attempt to hold an election in a territory that does not belong to it clearly demonstrates that it is not serious about dialogue, the ICJ, or the Argyle Declaration.
“We will not be drawn into any discourse under duress. We are all for dialogue—but dialogue with respect, dialogue with dignity, dialogue with a sense of purpose, and dialogue that we can trust,” the President said.
He insisted that Venezuela must first demonstrate good faith and undo the actions it has taken in violation of the ICJ’s orders and the Argyle Declaration.
“Let them first respect the rule of law. Until then, there will be no talks. Sovereignty is not a matter for negotiation,” the President asserted.
He added that while Guyana places its confidence in the rule of law and diplomacy, it is not blind to the realities it faces.
As such, he emphasised that a strong nation must have the means to deter and identify threats.
“That is why we are investing in our Defence Force—not for war, not for aggression, but for protection, for development, and for national security. This facility is not just a building; it is a statement. It declares that Guyana is prepared, that our Defence Force is evolving, and that our skies will be watched and protected. Our eyes will be sharper, our reach will be longer, and our response will be swifter.”
He insisted that for Guyana to fully develop, it must be able to defend itself. As such, he affirmed that no part of Guyana will be surrendered.