evidence: ONLINE EVENT: The Venezuelan-Guyanese Border Crisis—The Essequibo Controversy The Guyanese-Venezuelan territorial controversy over the border territory around the Essequibo River has emerged as a significant geopolitical challenge in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Essequibo, a vast territory encompassing about two-thirds of Guyana, has emerged as a serious point of contention between the two nations. The disagreement has intensified in recent years following the discovery of massive offshore oil and gas reserves off Guyana’s coast in 2015, with Venezuela reactivating their claim over the area. On December 3, Venezuelans approved a referendum called by the government of Nicolas Maduro, claiming sovereignty of the Essequibo, and disregarding the non-interference order of the International Court of Justice.