President Ali declares Essequibo “Forever Guyanese” at Independence celebration
May 26 2026
President Irfaan Ali used Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations to strongly reaffirm the country’s sovereignty over the Essequibo region, declaring that the territory “has never been Venezuelan” as the border controversy with Venezuela remains before the International Court of Justice.
Addressing thousands gathered at Fort Island in Essequibo for the national flag-raising ceremony on Sunday night, President Ali said Guyana remains united, confident and unwavering in its position as the international court continues deliberations on the decades-old controversy.
“The Essequibo is Guyana’s. It has never been Venezuelan,” the Head of State declared to loud applause during the ceremony held under this year’s Independence theme, “Homecoming.”
The President reflected on the nation’s journey since gaining independence in 1966, recalling that Guyana faced economic hardship, colonial divisions and territorial threats almost immediately after becoming a sovereign nation.
“Even before the ink dried on our independence, a neighbour rose to challenge our very existence,” President Ali said, referencing Venezuela’s claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s territory.
Ali said the territorial controversy affected Guyana’s confidence and slowed development for decades, but stressed that the country never surrendered its sovereignty, identity or determination to defend its internationally recognised borders.
Standing in Essequibo for the anniversary celebrations, the President described the region as part of Guyana’s heartland and said the location carried deep national symbolism amid the ongoing case before the ICJ.
Guyana has consistently argued that the 1899 Arbitral Award legally established the boundary between the two countries and maintains that the ICJ has jurisdiction to settle the matter once and for all.
Earlier this month, President Ali also expressed confidence that the court would uphold the validity of the award and bring an end to the longstanding controversy.
While firmly defending Guyana’s territorial integrity, the President also made it clear that Guyana holds no hostility toward the Venezuelan people.
“The Venezuelan people are our neighbours. They are our kinsmen across a shared geography and shared history,” he stated.
President Ali also thanked international partners including CARICOM, the Commonwealth, the United States and the Organization of American States for supporting Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
