Foreign Minister issues protest note to the Venezuelan Government

Earlier this morning, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Honourable Hugh Todd, called in the Chargé d’ Affaires of the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Mr. Moses Chavez to transfer a protest note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela. The protest note firmly condemns the illegal detention of the captains and crews of the Guyanese registered fishing vessels, the Lady Nayera and the Sea Wolf and calls for their immediate release.

Minister Todd used the opportunity to voice his concerns on the matter, he said that “the action coming out of Caracas is distasteful.” The Minister added that based on latitude and longitude, the two vessels were well within Guyana’s territory.”

The Foreign Minister highlighted the regional zone of peace and called for Venezuel a to operate in a manner consistent with international rule of law. He reiterated Guyana’s commitment to the International Court of Justice as a means of bringing to a close the Guyana – Venezuela border controversy.

On Thursday, January 21, 2021, the two vessels were intercepted by Venezuelan naval vessel Commandante Hugo Chavez GC 24, while operating off the coast of Waini Point at a position of N 80 49’ 06”/ w 590 37’ 40” W.

The Government of Guyana is using all diplomatic channels to ensure the safe re turn of the crew and vessels to Guyana.