Guyana’s Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, has publicly criticised regional leadership, including CARICOM and Barbados, over what she describes as inconsistent positions on Guyana’s sovereignty dispute.
In a strongly worded social media statement on Monday, Manickchand questioned the nature of regional “friendships” and principles within CARICOM, suggesting that some leaders are maintaining diplomatic ties with parties she says are disrespecting Guyana’s territorial integrity.
“CARICOM leaders claiming to be our friends AND benefiting from that friendship even as they entertain their other friends who are completely disrespecting Guyana by openly claiming 2/3 of my country and sporting that on a visible piece of Jewelry even as that matter is being adjudicated in the ICJ, has me questioning our friendships and the principles of these CARICOM leaders. Principle is principle. It shouldn’t be cowardly. And it shouldn’t be convenient,” she wrote on Facebook.
Her remarks referenced ongoing proceedings at the International Court of Justice, where a territorial case involving Guyana is currently being adjudicated.
She expressed concern that while the matter remains before the court, some individuals are openly displaying symbols she interprets as supporting competing territorial claims.
Manickchand said principles “should not be selective or convenient,” urging regional leaders to take a firmer and more consistent stance on issues affecting member states.
