Pierre encourages dialogue between the two countries facilitated by CARICOM to arrive at a peaceful solution. The dispute between the two countries has been reignited since the discovery of oil in Guyana which has given rights to Exxon Mobil for production. Venezuela claims that Guyana cannot “give what they do not own”.

“We said that our Caribbean must be a zone of peace and we’ve urged dialogue between Venezuela and Guyana which will be facilitated by CARICOM because they are two countries within our region, within our sphere. We are saying let’s not quarrel, let’s discuss our issues amicably. In fact, I was asked by President Maduro to have a discussion with President Ali on that situation,” Pierre disclosed at a Press Conference. 

 On September 22nd, 2023 CARICOM released a statement explaining its position on the border conflict. “CARICOM has also taken note of the decision of the Venezuelan National Assembly to conduct a popular referendum on defending Venezuela’s claim…The Caribbean Community reiterates its full and unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, including its right to peacefully develop the resources of its territory,” the statement read.

Guyana and Venezuela have been engaged in a long-standing dispute over their borders. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in April ruled it had jurisdiction over the issue, which could determine which country has rights to territory rich in oil and gas, especially offshore.