THE ESEQUIBO: WHOSE CLAIM IS BETTER?

 

The dispute between Guyana and Venezuela over the ownership of the Esequibo region has its origins in the distant past. In 1899 after an international arbitration the ownership of the region was confirmed to what was then known as British Guyana (the former name of the now independent country of Guyana).

The problem was that at the time of the award Britain was one of the most powerful countries in the world (if not the most powerful). Most Venezuelans believed then as well as now that the award was flawed and that Venezuela's claim was never properly or (more importantly) fairly adjudicated with the concept that 'might is right' dominating the decision. Certainly, there is a lot of justification for this belief that Venezuela's claim was  unfairly dealt with. Guyana has now said let the International Court of Justice deal with it. Venezuela has responded  with a simple 'why should we?'

It is fairly obvious that President Maburro (and yes, the misspelling is deliberate) is trying to resurrect this dispute as a way to garner support both locally and (more importantly for him) in Latin America where the distrust of the European powers has never gone away. 

So the question really is, does Venezuela really have a good claim to this very rich (in oil and gas) region, or is Maburro simply 'trying a thing'?

Except for the names and a few other obvious changes this story is rather similar to the current war raging between Israel and Hamas. Basically, the Israelis claim that they have a right to the lands that they occupy because they were forced out of there some 2000 years ago. Hamas claims that the Palestinians were always there but were basically forced out by the Americans and the Europeans some 70 or so years ago.  Now there is vicious killing (on both sides) especially of women and children.

All this goes to prove the simple truth that 'might is right' (even when it is wrong).

But going back to the Venezuela/Guyana dispute it is now almost impossible to say who has the better claim. It would be very easy to argue for or against either side. And either argument would be as right as it could be wrong. Certainly, my Venezuelan wife believes strongly in the justice of Venezuela's cause and my sister equally believes in the justice of that of Guyana. Me? I really don't know where the justice lies or who has the better claim, but I want to sleep in my own bed tonight so I'll side with Venezuela.