The reasons are banal - a neighboring country, Venezuela. And there on December 3, 2023 a referendum is scheduled in which Venezuelans must "decide" whether to take away 2/3 of the territory from the neighboring state. Why? There are a lot of "reasons" and "explanations". But we will discard the fairy tale options, let's return to reality. NEFT.
I thought that the ideal place to have this referendum in Essequibo. The inhabitants of the area should be allowed to determine their future. They shouldn't be forced to become Venezuelan citizens which might be against their will. If this referendum is done in Essequibo, I am sure that the majority of people living in the territory will prefer to remain Guyanese.
I am interested in the opinion of the respected community ! In case of conflict development, or rather the beginning of a full-scale invasion of Venezuela in Guyana, what consequences await the world economy, namely the oil market?
Guyana produces about 380,000 barrels per day (bpd) which is not big enough to distort the global oil market. OPEC+ could just increase the supply quota of member states to cover up the shortages that might be caused by this conflict. I am sure that few oil producing nations can cover up these shortages without many problems which might lead to fewer economic consequences.
I personally I can assure you there has been people forced to vote today, under the threat of behind fired out their public jobs.
If anyone here has a question, I will try to reply.
Great to know that you are from Venezuela @Hispo. From the information I have gathered from the internet, I assume that many Venezuelans believe that Essequibo is their territory that has been part of the country until it was wrongfully taken away when the north-south border was plotted about a hundred years ago. Do you think the majority of Venezuelans have this perception? Now considering that the disputed territory is rich in mineral resources, don't you also think that the people of your country will support the memorandum because it might lead to an increase in revenue for the nation?
I emphasize, once again, 2 factors:
1. There are universally recognized boundaries, and they cannot be violated. Whether one likes it or not
2. Separatist referendums are a technology of the Kremlin, which in this way created a lot of cloaks (PMR, Abkhazia, DNR, LNR,...) that eventually became just festering infectious wounds on the body of other countries.
The inviolability and integrity of borders is out of the question ! Otherwise you will be waiting for the same thing that Russia did in Ukraine.
Believe me - in case of a full-fledged military conflict, on the side of Venezuela, you will see Russian troops or at least marginalized PMCs. Putin will support the same totalitarian and untalented ruler as himself, plus it may destabilize the oil market even more. In the Middle East, the Kremlin has failed to ignite a global crisis, but terror and destabilization is all that is left in Putin's hands. And oil is the last trump card....
Regarding production in Guyana. Now - yes, the amount you mentioned is being produced, but the proven reserves can significantly increase production. I suppose that's what triggered the sudden aggression.
And to answer your question to the other participant "don't you also think that the people of your country will support the memorandum because it might lead to an increase in revenue for the nation?". - I'm very unsure that the people of Venezuela are receiving revenues from their natural wealth.... Please ask Mr. Hispo to provide information on how much of the revenues from natural resources go to the people of Venezuela ?
Thank you for your comments and I honestly hope your national situation gets solved, your country did nothing but minding their own businesses when Russia decided to attack.
In my country's case we are very confident all this things were are seeing are just for show and as an strategy to manipulate the population through a imposed sentiment of patriotism.
Hopefully you are living far away from the frontline by the way.
If you ever have a question about this country (even unrelated to politics) you are free to quote me or even send me a Direct message.
Thank you very much for your answer and your suggestion!
With the hope that everything will be fine in your country and the war will pass you and your country!