Grenada Foreign Minister ‘Re-States’ CARICOM Position On Venezuela…No Interference

The outgoing Foreign Minister of Grenada, Peter David, reinforces CARICOM non-interference and non-intervention on Venezuela’s internal affairs. David indicated that while the United States is making every effort to remove Nicholas Maduro from power, the 15-member regional integration grouping should uphold its policy.

For almost two years, Maduro and Guaido have been at loggerheads over the leadership of the country. Mr. Guaido declares himself president since he claimed Mr. Maduro re-election in 2018 is fraudulent. Despite the US sanctions and international pressures, Maduro managed to stay in power with the support of Venezuela’s powerful military, Russia, China, Cuba, and a few other countries.

On his two-day diplomatic trip to Guyana, the US Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo reinforced his position that Maduro should step down. At the same time, the neighbouring Caribbean nations remain split on Maduro’s government.

At a news conference in Grenada, the outgoing Foreign Minister, Peter David, told reporters, “CARICOM maintains its position concerning Venezuela, non-intervention, non-interference in the internal affairs of Venezuela.”

“We believe that maintaining the region as a zone of peace is of paramount importance to all of us. We believe Venezuelans must resolve the issues confronting Venezuela. We believe that the issue of regime change is not something that should be placed on the agenda of other countries, and certainly all of CARICOM had agreed to that,” David said.

“And we hope that all of CARICOM sticks to that. We have had differences…but none of these differences rose to the level where any member said they would participate in the interference and the internal affairs of a member state of CARICOM and that of Venezuela”.

Peter David indicated that if Pompeo visits Grenada, they would welcome him and listen, and he hopes Guyana does the same.

“They have a right to invite Secretary of State Pompeo, Presidents of other countries, but we hope that they stick to the CARICOM position which is non-interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs.”

“Let the Venezuelan people resolve their issues internal to them, and that is what I urge Guyana. As Foreign Minister, I urge, I reflect the views of our Prime Minister (Dr. Keith Mitchell), I reflect the views of regional governments and I reflect the views of what I believe is the vast majority of Caribbean people who believe that Venezuela has been a friend of Grenada.”

Venezuela is going through a difficult crisis, and humanitarian efforts are needed urgently. Neighbouring countries like Guyana are faced with a large number of refugees every day from Venezuela. Mr. David indicated that Venezuela should have an opportunity to deal with their issues internally with no CARICOM inference.

“Venezuela is going through some difficulties, there are things they may disagree with Venezuela on, but one thing we agree on is that Venezuela’s internal affairs is Venezuela’s business and therefore there should be no intervention and therefore we urge them to maintain the position of CARICOM, while they are free to have all types of diplomatic engagements and visits, please do not renege on the principle that this region shall be maintained as a zone of peace,” David added.

After Michael Pompeo’s trip, Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, made some compelling statements regarding Venezuela.

“We support the need for free and fair elections in our hemisphere,” Ali said. “With urgency, we believe that democratic values and principles should be respected in Venezuela as well.”

Before leaving office, Peter David urges the 15-member states to uphold CARICOM policy regarding Venezuela.