By Dacia Richards | HGP Nightly News
#GuyanaSovereignty #EssequiboBelongsToGuyana #NTC2025 #HGPNightlyNews
AG Nandlall Assures Indigenous Leaders: “Essequibo Will Remain Ours”
By: Dacia Richards | HGP Nightly News
Amid ongoing tensions with Venezuela, Attorney General Anil Nandlall on Thursday reassured Indigenous leaders that the Essequibo region remains firmly under Guyana’s sovereignty.
Speaking at the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, Nandlall addressed concerns from communities situated near the western border, many of which fall within the area Venezuela controversially claims.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure that you, your communities—most of which are located in what is now described as a ‘disputed territory’—remain protected,” Nandlall said.
The Attorney General emphasized that while Venezuela and some global actors may use the term “disputed,” the Government of Guyana firmly asserts that the territory is not up for negotiation.
“Essequibo is ours and will remain ours,” he declared, drawing applause from the gathered Toshaos.
Nandlall outlined Guyana’s proactive diplomatic efforts, including securing two rulings from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which reaffirm Guyana’s case and ordered Venezuela to halt any actions aimed at annexing the Essequibo region. Despite this, Caracas has moved forward with plans to hold elections in the region, defying international law.
The Attorney General also criticized Venezuela’s aggression, noting multiple attacks on Guyana Defense Force (GDF) soldiers patrolling the border—incidents that he described as deliberate provocations.
“Guyana has never made any aggressive moves toward Venezuela. Instead, we’ve been met with hostility, even as we continue to engage with international partners and the United Nations to uphold our territorial integrity,” Nandlall said.
His remarks came just weeks before Venezuela is set to stage illegal elections to install a governor and deputies in Guyana’s Essequibo, despite the ICJ’s directive.
The National Toshaos Council Conference continues through Friday, with Indigenous leaders expected to finalize resolutions addressing national security, land rights, and development.
