CARICOM-Led Diplomatic Triumph: PJ Patterson Hails Amicable Resolution

KINGSTON, Jamaica, December 15, 2023 - In a significant diplomatic achievement orchestrated by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and the Community of Latin America and Caribbean Countries (CELAC), former Jamaican Prime Minister PJ Patterson has expressed profound relief at the outcome of the diplomatic stand-off between Guyana and Venezuela.

In a statement late Thursday, Mr. Patterson expressed recognition “that the far reaching agreements do not constitute a final settlement, but provide mechanisms to bolster healthy, productive and peaceful relationships between neighbours.”

He said the talks “constituted a model for devising consultative approaches to address other long-standing border disputes in South and Central America.”

“It asserts that the Caribbean and Latin America, despite the colonial rivalry and exploitation by European powers, constitute one hemispheric family.  That highlights the merits of our full engagement and present leadership of CELAC,” the former Jamaican prime miister observed.

Mr. Patterson, who was one of the longest serving prime ministers in CARICOM, prior to his retirement, observed that “ It was a Caribbean initiative which demonstrated the intrinsic value of collective regional action. 

“CARICOM stepped forward in united efforts to face the challenge of preserving the territorial integrity of Guyana, a founding member state and headquarters of the Caribbean Community,” he declared.

“It demonstrated that in a world of unprecedented turbulence, diplomatic skills and negotiating expertise can still be deployed to avert military conflict.

Mr. Patterson commended Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the current Chair of CELAC, for his astute skills and considerable experience. He pointed out that Dr. Gonsalves received extensive support from Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, Chairman of CARICOM and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, through his trusted Emissary, Celso Amorim who were the principal interlocutors.

Mr. Patterson said “no praise is too high for President Ali of Guyana and President Maduro of Venezuela  for their preparedness and courage in accepting the terms of the Argyle Declaration, named for the town in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in which the summit was held. 

The former Prime Minister also commended all the Caribbean Prime Ministers, who were in attendance, as well as to Representatives of the UN Secretary General, CARICOM, and the CELAC Troika, to endorse the Declaration and pledge to facilitate its timely implementation.

The impact of this Argyle agreement extends beyond the immediate parties involved. It serves as a beacon of hope for similar conflicts within the region, offering a blueprint for peaceful negotiation and mutual respect.

The success of this initiative is expected to enhance CARICOM's role and influence in regional and international affairs, reinforcing its position as a key player in promoting peace and stability.

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