U.S. Expresses Disappointment In CARICOM’s Stance On Venezuela
News Americas, New York, NY, August 22, 2024: The Biden administration has expressed disappointment that only two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states, Guyana and Suriname, endorsed a joint statement advocating for democracy in Venezuela. The statement, issued on August 16 by 22 nations in Santo Domingo, calls for transparency in Venezuela’s July 28 election results and respect for the will of the people.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro speaks during a demonstration to defend the supposed victory in the presidential elections in Caracas, Venezuela on August 17, 2024. (Photo by Pedro Rances Mattey/Anadolu via Getty Images)
U.S. Ambassador to Guyana and CARICOM, Nicole Theriot, praised Guyana and Suriname for their support. “We are incredibly pleased to have these partners standing with us in defending democracy in the region and globally,” she told Demerara News online while highlighting Guyana’s growing role as a global leader.
Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, also emphasized the importance of the statement, urging Caribbean nations to choose the right side of history in supporting democracy. Meanwhile, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), including countries like Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, congratulated President Nicolás Maduro on his re-election, calling for national reconciliation.
Despite this, the U.S. remains disappointed that the majority of CARICOM states did not endorse the joint statement, reaffirming the importance of democratic principles in the region. The 22 signatory nations also called for the release of arbitrarily detained individuals, including opposition figures in Venezuela.
Signatory countries in alphabetical order were:
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