ECNETNews, August 22, 2024: The Biden administration has voiced disappointment as only two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states, Guyana and Suriname, supported a joint statement that champions democracy in Venezuela. This statement, issued on August 16 by 22 nations in Santo Domingo, highlights the need for transparency regarding Venezuela’s election results and emphasizes respect for the will of the people in the upcoming July 28 elections.
U.S. Ambassador to Guyana and CARICOM, Nicole Theriot, commended the support from Guyana and Suriname, expressing satisfaction at having these nations stand with the U.S. in defending democratic values both regionally and globally. She underscored Guyana’s emerging role as a prominent leader on the international stage.
Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, reiterated the significance of the joint statement, urging Caribbean nations to align with the movement toward democracy. In contrast, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), which includes countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, extended congratulations to President Nicolás Maduro on his re-election and called for national reconciliation.
In light of the situation, the U.S. remains disheartened that a majority of CARICOM states chose not to endorse the statement, reaffirming the necessity of upholding democratic principles across the region. The 22 nations that signed the statement also called for the release of individuals detained arbitrarily, including opposition figures in Venezuela.
The signatory nations listed alphabetically are as follows:
Republic of Argentina
Canada
Republic of Chile
Republic of Costa Rica
Czech Republic
Dominican Republic
Republic of Ecuador
Kingdom of España
Republic of Guatemala
Cooperative Republic of Guyana
Italian Republic
Kingdom of Morocco
Kingdom of the Netherlands
Republic of Panamá
Republic of Paraguay
Republic of Perú
Portuguese Republic
