We cannot recall whether there has been a response also from the wider, though less active Association of Caribbean States (ACS), headquartered in Port-of-Spain.

But it was indeed encouraging that CARICOM, which has been consistent in its support for a peaceful, lawful resolution to the age-old border dispute between Venezuela and Guyana, arising from that neighbour's claim to two thirds of Guyana’s territory, should have found it necessary to make public its concern.

Conscious of the grave implications of extra-parliamentary tactics being employed by a combination of forces, including elements of the armed forces and the business sector, to force the resignation of a lawfully elected President and Government, CARICOM said:

It has been following "with great concern the events (weeks of demonstrations, some violent and in front of the Presidential Palace) currently unfolding in Venezuela, which call into question the legitimacy of the democratically elected government....

"In keeping with the democratic traditions of the Region", CARICOM further noted in its statement, "the Caribbean Community underlines the importance of respect for constitutional arrangements and the rule of law in resolving disputes..."

Wise Reminder

CARICOM has wisely reminded the government of President Hugo Chavez and the opposition of the commitment given to the Tripartite Group comprising the Organisation of American States, United Nations Development Programme and the Carter Centre when they made a "peace" intervention following the short-lived coup earlier in the year.

It was a commitment to peaceful dialogue and rejection of violence or undemocratic practices.

However much his detractors may now wish to recall his own failed coup attempt before rising to his enormous popularity and control of a democratically elected government in Caracas, they must also remember the price he had to pay as a prisoner for such an act and the fact that two wrongs do not make a right.

Chavez is not in power by electoral fraud. Nor is he violating the provisions of the Constitution in remaining as President.

Guyanese who well know the difference based on their own experiences of power by rigged elections under a different dispensation, and of politically-inspired violence to destabilise a government, should have no difficulties in empathising with President Chavez and his supporters, in the interest of peaceful, democratic governance in Venezuela.

It is perhaps time for the Tripartite Group of the OAS, UNDP and Carter Centre to let their own voices be heard again on what's happening today in Venezuela. The future of democracy and stability in a neighbouring Caribbean state are at stake.

The anti-Chavez forces, whether in or out of Venezuela, must be made to show their own respect for the expressed will of the electorate and the rule of law.