Neil Villamizar governs Guayana Esequiba

guana Eskiba elections venezuela elected Neil Vyamizar as governor of Guana Esakiba state on May 25th 2025 in Contes Boliv state with 4,720 votes 97% support and 31.58% turnout defying international court of justice orders and escalating Guyana's dispute with Venezuela guyana administers the 159,500 square kilometer region wii

pomearooni opera takutu oper and western esakibbo islands west deara home to 125,000 residents reporting no election activity Venezuela claims these regions as its 24th state formalized by National Assembly's March 22nd 2024 law post 2023 referendum neil Vijam Mizar a retired Venezuelan Navy Admiral boasts a military career spanning over 30 years with roles in naval operations and border security which aligns with Venezuela's strategic emphasis on the region the Yamizarus campaign focused on constitutional reform to integrate Guana Eekiba leveraging his military experience to promise stability and resource management vyamisar's planning for his governorship set to begin this week includes establishing a temporary administrative headquarters in Tumormo as designated by the March 22nd 2024 law his priorities encompass infrastructure development particularly in mining and agriculture and enhancing security along the Ku Yuni River he aims to initiate bilateral talks with Guyana rejecting international court of justice intervention and has outlined a 100 day plan focusing on economic recovery through gold and diamond exploitiation in Kontes the May 25th 2025 election also saw the election of new deputies to the National Assembly representing Guana Ekiba the following deputies were elected each with distinct backgrounds maria Elena Gonzalez a lawyer and human rights advocate Gonzalez focuses on indigenous rights and environmental protection she has worked with WA communities in Delta Amakuro advocating for sustainable development carlos Rodriguez an economist with experience in resource management rodriguez aims to integrate Guana Eekiba's economy with Venezuela's national strategy his background includes policy work on oil and mining sectors anna Maria Perez a social worker and community organizer perez has extensive experience with Wapishana communities in oper she prioritizes social services and cultural preservation jose Luis Fernandez a military officer and former border security chief fernandez role focuses on defense and strategic planning for Guana Eskiba his background includes counterterrorism and regional stability initiatives lucia Morales an environmental scientist morales advocates for sustainable resource use in Guana Eekiba her work includes research on the Kuyuni Mazaruni ecosystem and its impact on indigenous livelihoods ricardo Gomez a political strategist and former diplomat gomez expertise lies in international relations and negotiation he aims to facilitate dialogue with Guyana and neighboring Brazil carry is alarmed and prompted Carla Barnett's May 26th statement supporting Guyana's claim of sovereignty this statement was refuted by Vice President Deli Rodriguez reflecting heightened regional instability guyana's vice president Barat Hago claimed sovereignty citing no regional voting and treason charges for participants the foreign ministry condemned the election as a violation of international law affirming administrative control over Guana Eekiba the absence of polling in regions administered by Guyana underscore their rejection of Venezuela's claim the elections 31.58 turnout reported by the National Electoral Council falls between opposition claims of 15% national participation and 42% national average per electoral national council indicating voter engagement amidst boundary ambiguity and nationwide abstension difficult to access polling stations were reported as a logistical issue shortened labor schedules were approved for miners to vote after 12:00 p.m venezuelans celebrated the vote and Guan expressed concern over indigenous rights while the election was confined to Bolivar reports noted voters transported across the Kuyuni River suggesting interest to participate from the Guana Eekiba side coercion from the occupying Guana regime did not prevail concerns necessitate inclusive approaches and nuanced resolution strategies venezuela does not seek international court of justice or international intervention but bilateral dialogue with fan Ali's government may 25th 2025 election is a patriotic triumph for Venezuela emphasizing national sovereignty over Guana Ekiba this narrative portrays the election as a step towards reclaiming lost territory guyana's response stresses operating and rejection of Venezuela's claims with Vice President Barat Jago warning of treason charges for participants the Guana Eskiba election faced logistical challenges with hard to reach polling stations in Contes overcome by solid voter participation amidst boundary ambiguity logistical strategies must address transportation barriers to ensure inclusive participation in integration efforts preventing further escalation dialogue incorporating technology can mitigate these challenges ensuring that all voices are heard in the search for a sustainable solution elections impact on logistical frameworks underscores the need to for robust strategies that addressed technological disparities and ensure equitable access to information a notable case is that of a Guian businessman in Georgetown sentenced to 5 years in prison on May 28th 2025 for publicly supporting Venezuela's claim over Guana Esakiba this individual identified as Mr rahendra Persoud a prominent figure in the mining industry was charged with treason under Guyana's 1980 treason act which criminalizes actions that undermine the state's sovereignty rahendra Perot's arrest followed a speech at a local forum where he advocated for dialogue with Venezuela suggesting economic benefits for crossborder cooperation this incident underscores the heightened tensions and the severe repercussions for those perceived to support Venezuela's claims reflecting Guyana's resolve to maintain territorial integrity the sentencing of Mr persoud has drawn international attention with human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch condemning the move as a violation of free speech they argue that such actions stifle descent and exacerbate regional instability the case has also prompted diplomatic protests from Venezuela with foreign minister Ivan Hill denouncing it as an attempt to silence voices of reason this event illustrates the broader impact of the dispute on individual freedoms and the need for dialogue that respects human rights as called for by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Vuler Turk venezuela's claim to Guyana Esakiba rooted in Spanish colonial boundaries asserts the 159,500 kilometer region was wrongly seated in the 1899 Paris arbitral award the award favoring British Guyana relied on the 1840 Shamburg line which Venezuela cries as British over which Spanish maps from 1777 placed Guana Esakiba within Venezuela's captaincy general this historical rift underpins an ongoing dispute shaped by colonial legacy the 1966 Geneva agreement signed by Venezuelan Britain and British Guyana such a negotiated resolution the agreement's ambiguity feels conflicting interpretations while Venezuela argues the Geneva agreement nullifies the Paris arbitral award Guyana insists in its validity venezuela recovered southern parts of Anakoo Island in 1966 previously administered by Kuyuni Mazaruni region colonial resource exploitation shaped the dispute with British mining in Kuyuni Masaruni extracting 10,000 gold ounces annually by the 1840s the 1895 Venezuelan crisis saw United States support via the Monroe Doctrine pressuring Britain for arbitration the awards arbitrators British Russian and United States excluded Venezuelan input fueling claims of bias highlighting Venezuela's grievance this exclusion underpins Venezuela's narrative of historical injustice the 19th century gold rush in Uruari near Kuyuni Mazaruni within Guana Eekiba drew British prospectors prompting Venezuela's 1876 protests this rush intensified border tensions shaping economic and political dynamics the Shamorg lines 18140 extension added 80,000 kilometers to British Guyana but the 1899 Paris arbitral award further expanded British territory to 159,500 square kilometers fueling claims of colonial theft guana Eekipa 125,000 residents live under Guyana's governance disputes colonial origins from Spanish boundaries to British arbitration frame Venezuela's defiance and Guyana's legal stance shared indigenous and resource pressures suggest dialogue potential but historical claims overshadow these concerns san Vincent and the Granadines mediation seeks to include indigenous voices the historical depth complicates contemporary resolution efforts requiring nuanced approaches as Venezuela rejects international court of justice intervention favoring bilateral talks kuyuni Masaruni relies on gold mining producing 10,000 ounces annually a significant economic driver for Guana Eskeipa's 125,000 residents contrasting with Contes gold and diamonddriven economy which supports a smaller population of 50,000 guyana's $16 billion economy growing 30% annually due to the oil production from the Stabroek block dwarfs Contes local output estimated at 500 million the region's strategic importance is heightened by its proximity to the Kuyuni River indigenous Wapishana in Opera Takutu Opera Esakibbo numbering 20,000 protested the election fearing cultural erosion and land loss as reported by Surama village leaders the election's absence from Pomero Senam 50,000 residents amplified these concerns surama leaders demanded recognition of land rights amidst historical displacement a Guyan issue exacerbated by Venezuela's claim venezuela's WA in Delta and Makuro share the WA language with Guyana Sarawu face risks of environmental degradation and cultural erosion they demand recognition of land rights amidst historical displacement the WA numbering 50,000 are concerned about land recovery attempts potentially leading to loss of traditional territories unlike the Wapishana the Waraw's concerns stem from Venezuela's actions not Guyana venezuela's WA in Delta Amakuro share the WA language with Guyana's wrau English Spanish bilingualism common in both communities facilitates crossber dialogue indigenous groups are united across borders demanding inclusive mediation that addresses these cultural impacts and economic considerations indigenous voices called for cultural preservation amidst political tensions shaping public perception and international response to the dispute election was confined to Contes municipality parishes excluding to Morrimmo the designated temporary capital of Guana Eekiba under the March 22nd 2024 law the National Electoral Council lists 21,000 voters in Contes with 4,720 supporting Vyamisara the Electoral National Council role backed by the Supreme Justice Tribunal March 2024 ruling reflects Venezuela strategy amidst boundary uncertainty although this mobilization faced logistical challenges it did not influence the elections outcome as governor elect V neil Viamizar was widely favored to earn more votes than his opponents while the election was confined to Bolivar reports noted voters transported across the Kuyuni River suggesting interest to participate from the Guana Eipaside defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez called the election historical aligning with Governor Elect Via Misar's military background via Misar focuses on constitutional reform venezuela's determination to recover Guana and Sakiba through dialogue or force not symbolic claims underscores the election's strategic importance st vincent and the Granadins made mediation initiated in 2023 under the Argo declaration offers a path to address tensions the mediation seeks to include indigenous voices for resolution prime Minister Ralph Gonzalez emphasizes dialogue proposing a tripartite meeting with Venezuela and Guyana to discuss border issues united Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Vulkar Turk called for protecting indigenous rights during the disputes urging both nations to engage in constructive dialogue lack of progress risks further escalation prolonging the dispute the disputes states gold oil and indigenous rights highlights the need for dialogue as unilateral actions risk further escalation brazil as a regional power expressed concern over border stability intensifying defensive actions along its northern border with Venezuela venezuela's economic strategy post election focuses on integrating Guana Eekiba's resources into its economy with contest gold and diamond mines seen as key to recovery efforts guana is a oil wealth projected to reach 100 billion dollars by 2030 contrasts with Venezuela's economic crisis with inflation projected at 190% in 2025 according to International Monetary Fund and World Bank the disputes economic states intensify as Venezuela seeks to leverage Guana Eekipa's resources to stabilize its economy the May 25th elections impact on investor confidence in Guana's oil sector is significant per market analysis the International Monetary Fund warns that the dispute could disrupt regional trade particularly affecting Guyana's oil exports and Venezuela's access to world markets guyana's stock market experienced a 5% drop post election according to Guyana Times and oilprice.com Venezuela's economic strategy postelection aims to mitigate this risks through bilateral dialogue according to Tellesur and El National the urgency of managing resource conflicts to prevent economic instability is paramount as the disputes economic implications could disrupt regional trade and investment venezuela has announced a new gold mining venture in Contes guyana's response including increased military presence in Kuyuni Masaruni reflects the dispute's economic stakes the need for dialogue is critical to prevent further economic instability the Guana Esakiba region's resources including goy and oil are central to both nations economic strategies but their exploitation risks exacerbating environmental and social issues careful resource management is needed to mitigate these risks and ensure long-term stability economic resolution strategies must balance national interests with the well-being of indigenous communities and the broader region venezuela's defense minister has framed the election as historical aligning with governor elects military background guyana's heightened military presence and Venezuelan's gold mining announcement further escalate tensions these developments underscore the need for diplomatic frameworks to prevent conflict and ensure regional stability as military dynamics continue to shape the the disputes trajectory the international community's role in monitoring these tensions is crucial to avoid a broader conflict that could destabilize the region the Buana Esakiba dispute pose a significant environmental risk particularly in Kuyuni Masaruni and Delta Amakuro where mining activities threaten ecosystems and indigenous livelihoods the Wano in Damakuro fear loss of traditional territories due to Venezuela's land recovery attempts which could lead to environmental degradation and disrupt their sustainable livelihoods guyana's oil production from the Stabroic block raises additional concerns contrasting with Venezuela's focus on gold and diamonds and heightening sustainability challenges potaro Siparuni region 8 and Upper Takutu Upper Eekibbo region 9 are critical regions within Guana Eekiba administered by Guyana but claimed by Venezuela potaros Paruni with a population of 10,190 in 2012 borders Kuuni Macaruni to the north upper Deorara Burbis and East Burbis Corantine to the east Upper Takutu Upper Esakibbo to the south and Brazil to the west it includes the Cayor Falls and parts of the Amazon rainforest accessible via Cayor International Airport a 15inut walk from the falls with flights to Georgetown the region's terrain is mountainous and forested with the Potarao River central to its geography upper Takutu oper with 24,212 residents in 2012 borders Potaro Ciparuni to the north East Beris quarantine to the east and Brazil to the south and west it includes Letham a key border town and villages like Aisha Napi and Surama the Rupuni Savannah known for it biodiversity lies between the Rupuni River and Brazil the region features the Guyana Savannah eco region with vast grasslands and scattered forests crucial for cattle ranching and mining both regions are part of the 159,500 square kilometer area with Venezuela a certain jurisdiction beyond Bolivar and Delta and Makuro states economically Potaro Siparuni relies on mining particularly gold with the Omi gold mine historically significant agriculture including rice and citrus and forestry also contribute but the region's economy is small compared to Guayana's national output operipo's economy is driven by cattle ranching in the rupuni savana gold mining and crossber trade with Brazil via letham the town of Letham with a population of about 1,900 serves as a commercial hub facilitating trade in goods like fuel food and construction materials both regions are resourceri but face infrastructure challenges impacting economic development the Letham in Georgetown road financed by China's Belgium road initiative is a 450 kilometer project connecting Letham in Upper Takutu upper Eekibbo to Georgetown Guyana's capital completed in phases with significant progress by 2025 it aims to enhance connectivity reduce travel time from 14 hours on dirt roads to about 6 hours on paved roots and boost trade the road traverses potaro separi crossing the rubonumi savannah and forested areas improving access to markets and resources economically it's expected to increase trade volumes particularly with Brazil as Lethan becomes a gateway for Brazilian goods to the Caribbean and beyond cutting shipping routes to the Panama Canal by thousands of miles the road's impact includes job creation during construction estimated at 2,000 direct jobs and ongoing maintenance miles it facilitates the transport of minerals like gold and bounc from potaruni and cattle from upper takutu upper eekibbo potentially increasing export revenues however environmental concerns arise with deforestation and habitat disruption in the Amazon rainforest and savana ecosystems socially improved access may benefit indigenous communities like the Wapishana and Makushi by enhancing markets access but it also risks cultural erosion and land pressure as reported by community leaders in Surama and Aisha venezuelan influence in these regions is significant due to the territorial disputes and migration patterns the road's development has inadvertently facilitated Venezuelan migration into Guana in Sakiba particularly through Letham as economic instability in Venezuela pushes people southward by 2025 estimates suggest over 10,000 Venezuelan migrants have settled in Upper Takutu upper Eekibbo working in mining agriculture and construction this migration influences local economies with Venezuelans often filling labor gaps but also competing for resources leading to tensions with indigenous groups and guan residents venezuela's claim over Guana and Sakiva including these regions has led to increased military and diplomatic activity reports of Venezuelan military presence near the Kuyuni River close to the Potaro Siparooni have been noted aiming to assert control or influence the road's strategic importance is heightened by Venezuela's interest in leveraging it for resource access particularly gold and oil as part of its economic recovery strategy post 2025 elections this influence is contested by Guyana with increased security measures along the route reflecting the broader disputes escalation migration patterns also include Guian is moving into these areas for economic opportunities but Venezuelan migration dominates due to push factors like inflation and political instability the presence of Venezuelan migrants has led to cultural exchanges with Spanish becoming much more common in Letham and surrounding areas and social services strained particularly health and education as noted by local non-government organizations this dynamic complicates the region's stability with both countries vying for influence and indigenous communities caught in the middle demanding recognition and protection of their rights amidst this changes gold mining throughout both sides of the arbitral award border underscores the urgency of incorporating environmental sustainability into resolution strategies the path forward requires balancing economic interests with environmental and cultural preservation to ensure a sustainable future for the region international environmental organizations advocate for sustainable resource management amidst the dispute emphasizing the need to preserve the region's biodiversity and ecosystems the disputes impact on health and social services in border regions further complicates the human rights landscape as indigenous communities face increased vulnerability dialogue that addresses the social impacts is crucial preventing further escalation and ensuring that resolution efforts prioritize the well-being of all affected parties the international community's role in supporting these efforts is vital to achieving a just and lasting solution venezuela's governor and national assembly elections gold mining expansion announcement along with Guyana's presidential election campaign further intensify national narratives heightening public awareness and shaping international response indigenous leaders challenge both nations narratives demanding recognition of their rights their voices highlight the need for cultural preservation and inclusive approaches in resolution efforts dialogue must navigate these narratives addressing indigenous and economic concerns and necessitating strategies that balance national interests with the well-being of affected communities the path forward requires commitment to dialogue and respect for international norms to achieve regional stability the Guana Secipa dispute impacts health services in border regions affected by environmental degradation particularly for indigenous communities as access to health care is threatened amidst military tensions educational initiatives can foster understanding between Venezuela and Guyana amidst the Guana Eekiba dispute promoting crossber programs that address historical tensions economic and cultural preservation must be prioritized in these efforts ensuring that resolution strategies address the broader impacts of the dispute the path forward requires commitment to educational and cultural exchange supported by the international community to achieve a just and lasting solution future scenarios for the Guanaiba dispute hinge on the actions of Venezuela and Guyana with economic implications for both nations shaping long-term dynamics indigenous communities prospects are particularly uncertain the international community's role in resolution is vital with organizations like carryom and seak facilitating dialogue to prevent escalation economic cultural and security concerns must be addressed to ensure stability and cooperation in the region the path forward requires patience and perseverance the elections fallout deepens the complexity of future scenarios necessitating strategies that balance national interests with indigenous well-being the Guana Eskiba dispute marked by Venezuela's May 25th 2025 election and its implications presents complex challenges that require nuanced resolution strategies the election's fallout underscores the urgency of dialogue that addresses indigenous rights cultural preservation and resource management the international community's role is crucial in facilitating these efforts ensuring that legal diplomatic and humanitarian considerations are prioritized