Guyana’s Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo expressed optimism on Thursday that the incoming U.S. administration, under President Donald Trump, will provide robust support in resolving the ongoing border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela.

Speaking at his party’s weekly press briefing, Jagdeo reflected on the positive relationship Guyana has maintained with the outgoing Biden administration but emphasized his hope for an even closer partnership with the Trump administration.

“We had a productive relationship with President Biden’s administration, and we anticipate an even stronger bond with President Trump’s government,” Jagdeo said.

Jagdeo revisited past interactions between Guyana and U.S. officials, highlighting a specific instance when the Biden administration blocked a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI) project. He noted the intervention of Senator Marco Rubio, the nominee for Secretary of State under Trump’s administration, as a key moment in this relationship.

“Senator Rubio had reached out to the Biden administration, advocating against the veto of the IDB loan to Guyana. His efforts showed an understanding of Guyana’s needs,” Jagdeo stated.

Jagdeo expressed enthusiasm about Rubio’s role in the new administration, particularly regarding his awareness of the border dispute with Venezuela. “Having Senator Rubio as Secretary of State is reassuring for us because he understands the critical nature of this issue,” Jagdeo remarked.

The border controversy, stemming from Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region, remains a significant concern for Guyana. Although the boundary was settled through an Arbitral Award in 1899, Venezuela reasserted its claim before Guyana’s independence. Since 2018, the matter has been under review by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Jagdeo voiced confidence that the Trump administration, with Rubio as Secretary of State, will advocate for Guyana’s position at the ICJ. “We expect strong solidarity from the Trump administration and Secretary Rubio on this matter, given their understanding of its importance to Guyana,” he said.

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