Venezuelan Coast Guards illegally enters Guyana’s Stabroek Block, issues warning to FPSOS, rigs
Mar 01, 2025
Kaieteur News- An armed Venezuelan patrol ship illegally entered Guyana’s shores around 07:00h on Saturday, threatening ExxonMobil Guyana’s FPSO Liza Prosperity, President Irfaan Ali said during a live statement from State House.
“The (Venezuelan) patrol Vessel transmitted a radio message declaring what it termed “disputed international waters” before continuing its course in a south Westerly direction towards other FPSOs”, president Ali said while making it clear that all of Guyana’s assets and the FPSO is lawfully operating within Guyana’s own Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
“Let me be unequivocal, Guyana’s Maritime boundaries are recognised under international and this incursion is a matter of grace concern,” President Ali added.
The government of Guyana is addressing the situation with seriousness and has already summoned the Venezuelan Ambassador, Carlos Perez, to protest this latest act of aggression.
A formal protest will also be made in Caracas by Guyana’s Embassy in the neighbouring country.
Guyana has also informed its partners, the US, the UK, France, RSS, and Caricom, and they have all responded positively, assured Ali.
“And we continue to work with other neighbours, Brazil l, at the military level and at the level of the State,” the president continued.
The Chair of CARICOM, Mia Motley, is reportedly actively engaged.
The interlocker of the Argyle Agreement, St. Vincent’s Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves, was also briefed and is engaging the Venezuelan Government in Caracas.
“I have already spoken to the leader of the opposition (Aubrey Norton) and briefed him on the initial circumstances, later today as we have greater details, the Leader of the Opposition and I will meeting so that he can be fully briefed and updated on this matter”, Ali said.
Guyana also plans to inform the International Court of Justice of this incident, along with the Secretary General of United Nations and the OAS member states.
Meanwhile, Guyana has since deployed Air Assets in its Exclusive Economic Zone following the Venezuelan incursion in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana.
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guards will also be deployed, and the National Defence Board will be meeting throughout the day.
Venezuela’s latest act of aggression comes just days after United States President Donald Trump’s administration cancelled a Biden-era licence that had allowed US company Chevron to sell hydrocarbon products from its operations in Venezuela.
Guyana and Venezuela are presently before the ICJ in a territorial dispute of the Guyana’s Essequibo, an area that is almost two thirds of the country.
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