Greenidge: Historical records show Venezuela sought arbitration in border controversy with Guyana

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge has told the International Court of Justice that Venezuela itself pushed for arbitration in the long-running border controversy with Guyana.

Continuing Guyana’s case, Greenidge said historical records show that Venezuela proposed arbitration as early as 1883 after failed talks with Britain, later enlisting the United States of America to help secure an agreement.

Those efforts led to the 1897 Treaty of Washington, which formalised arbitration and resulted in the 1899 Arbitral Award. He noted that Venezuela celebrated the treaty at the time and accepted its outcome for decades.

Greenidge argued that Venezuela’s current challenge before the court contradicts its earlier position and lacks legal merit.

He also outlined Guyana’s historical case, citing Dutch settlement and administration in the territory, later transferred to Britain, and the absence of Spanish control east of the Orinoco River.

Guyana’s legal team is continuing its submissions as hearings proceed.