In June 2000, when Canadian Oil Company CGX was drilling for oil in Guyana’s waters bordering Suriname, the Surinamese military sent soldiers on gunboats to force out the operation. At that time, Guyana’s military matched that of Suriname, and a military response from Guyana could have settled the matter forcefully. But that would have involved a lot of bloodshed, damage to infrastructure in both countries, and cultivate deep enmity between two friendly countries with strong brotherhood and cultural ties.
The Guyana Government opted instead to hold bilateral talks going as far as offering joint exploration deals to Suriname and even called in CARICOM as a mediator. Failing to reach a mutually beneficial deal, Guyana resorted to international law, taking the case to the UN Tribunal on the Law of the Sea.
In September, 2007, the UN Tribunal ruled in favor of Guyana, drawing up slightly modified border lines between the two countries but handing the oil rich territory to Guyana. The ruling at that time settled a centuries-old border dispute which had existed since the time of British Colonial Rule. Suriname peacefully and happily accepted the ruling. “If the area where CGX has been drilling is oil rich, then the Surinamese part will certainly have oil too,” then President of Suriname, Ronald Venetiaan, said.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) believes that the once disputed territory between Guyana and Suriname contains 15.3 billion barrels of oil. Guyana is now free to extract that oil and CGX has resumed operation in the area.
Guyana’s response to Suriname’s aggression in evicting an oil company which was granted concession by the Guyana Government underscores Guyana’s patient and peace-loving nature. Guyana and Guyanese will do everything to avoid war and bloodshed, choosing to live with neighborly and brotherly love. At present, Guyana is also wrestling with a border controversy with neighboring Venezuela. The matter is before the International Court of Justice and will more than likely be resolved in favor of Guyana.
Venezuela has threatened to interrupt Guyanese progress in oil exploration but has faced great opposition from international powers including the United States and UK.
