Guyana Highlights

Who We Are

Some of our History

Welcome to the official website of the Embassy of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in Caracas, Venezuela. Established in 1968 with the arrival of our first Ambassador, the Embassy has proudly represented the interests of Guyana and fostered cordial relations between our two nations for over five decades. Our commitment to diplomacy and cooperation has strengthened ties, promoting mutual respect and understanding.

Our website offers a seamless and user-friendly experience, designed to keep you informed about the latest developments in Guyana and within our vibrant diaspora community in Venezuela. Here, you can find valuable resources, including historical insights into the enduring friendship between Guyana and Venezuela, as well as information on our community outreach programs. We invite groups and individuals to register with us, ensuring that we remain connected and responsive to your needs.

Food Basket of the Caribbean

Land of Many Waters

Oil Oil Oil!

Dutch control
1580 - The Dutch gain a foothold and set up trading posts. From 1620, the Dutch West India Company imports African slaves to work on its sugar plantations.
1580
1648 - THE QUESTION OF OTHER SPANISH SETTLEMENTS
1648
Guyana changes hands between the Dutch, French and British.
1780-1813 - Guyana changes hands between the Dutch, French and British.
1780-1813
Britain occupies Guyana
1814 - Britain occupies Guyana during the Napoleonic Wars and later makes it a the Colony of British Guiana.
1814
The abolition of slavery
1834 - The abolition of slavery leads to indentured workers being brought in from India.
1834
Venezuela lays claims to two-thirds of Guyana
1889 - Venezuela lays claims to two-thirds of Guyana west of the Essequibo river, but international arbitration rules in favour of Guyana in 1899.
1889
International arbitration rules in favour of Guyana
The Arbitral Award of Paris. The arbitration tribunal awarded the majority of the disputed territory to British Guiana. Ignacio Andrade, then President of Venezuela, and Severo Mallet-Prevost, Venezuela's legal representative, expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, citing potential biases and irregularities in the arbitration process.
1899
Guyana gains Independence
1966 - Guyana gains independence
1966
1999-2010: Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Tensions
1999: Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez and Foreign Minister José Vicente Rangel sought to strengthen regional ties while keeping the dispute at a diplomatic level. Chávez frequently mentioned, "The Esequibo is ours, but we seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue and understanding."
2010: When Guyana awarded oil exploration licenses in the disputed maritime zone, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Nicolás Maduro condemned the move, stating… See More
1999-2010
2013: The ICJ Involvement
Guyanese Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett filed an application with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2013, arguing that the court should validate the 1899 Arbitral Award. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Elías Jaua responded, insisting that "the ICJ lacks jurisdiction, as the Geneva Agreement mandates bilateral negotiations, not judicial intervention."
2013
2015: Guyana's multiracial opposition coalition led by David Granger wins the general election, ExxonMobil discovers oil
2015 - Guyana's multiracial opposition coalition led by David Granger wins the general election, ending 23 years of rule by the Indo-Guyanese PPP party. The PPP returns to power five years later.

In May 2015, after ExxonMobil discovered significant oil reserves in the contested maritime zone, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodríguez issued a strong statement, declaring, "Venezuela will defend its sovereign rights… See More
2015
2018: ICJ Proceedings
In 2018, the ICJ confirmed its jurisdiction over the case. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza maintained Venezuela's opposition, stating, "We stand firm in our belief that this dispute must be resolved through direct negotiations, not imposed rulings." Guyanese Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge welcomed the ICJ's decision, calling it "a victory for international law and the rule of justice."
2018
2019 - Drilling begins at major offshore oil deposits
2019 - Drilling begins at major offshore oil deposits identified by ExxonMobil.
2019
2020 - Guyana and Suriname strengthens ties
2020 - While a commission examines the New River Triangle territory between the two countries—a boundary dispute that dates back to the 19th century—Presidents Ali of Guyana and Santokhi of Suriname affirm the two nations' intention to forward with economic cooperation and development.
2020
2021: ICJ Ruling on Jurisdiction
On December 18, 2020, the ICJ ruled in favor of hearing the case, a decision lauded by Guyanese Foreign Minister Hugh Todd as "an important step towards a definitive resolution." Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza criticized the ruling, stating, "This is a setback for bilateral diplomacy and a violation of the spirit of the Geneva Agreement."
2021
2022-2023: Submissions and Hearings

2022: Both nations submitted detailed arguments to the ICJ. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil reiterated Venezuela’s stance that the 1899 Arbitral Award was invalid, while Guyanese Foreign Minister Hugh Todd continued to defend the award's legitimacy.
December 3, 2023: Esequibo Referendum. Venezuela held a controversial referendum regarding the Esequibo, in which over 90% of voters supported the reclamation of the territory.… See More
2022-2023
2023 - The International Court of Justice rejects Venezuela's objections
2023 - Venezuela's concerns that the International Court of Justice is not the appropriate body to adjudicate on the boundary dispute over the oil-rich western region of Guyana have been rejected. The Court of Justice says it will now adjudicate the matter.

A recent referendum in Venezuela revealed that the majority of voters support the nation's claim to Essequibo and supported the creation of a new Venezuelan state… See More
2023