The Guyana-Venezuela Border Crisis, 2023: Cabinet of Guyana
APPROXIMATE COMMITTEE SIZE: 15-20 delegates
On May 20th, 2015, ExxonMobil discovered massive oil reserves off the coast of the Essequibo region, a territory claimed by both Guyana and Venezuela. What was once a lingering colonial dispute has now become a high-stakes geopolitical conflict, fueled by the promise of vast natural wealth. The Essequibo region’s ownership carries deep implications for national pride, political legitimacy, and economic stability.
COMMITTEE DETAILS
On December 3rd, 2023, Venezuela reignited tensions by reasserting its claim to the Essequibo region, threatening to destabilize the fragile peace between the two nations. This escalation poses a direct challenge to Guyana’s sovereignty and the rule of international law. Delegates will assume roles in the cabinet of Guyanese President Irfaan Ali, working to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity, maintain regional stability, and respond to mounting diplomatic and security pressures. Each decision will be critical in determining the future of the Essequibo and the preservation of peace in northern South America.
CHAIR: Ainsley Atwood
ABOUT THE CHAIR
Ainsley Atwood is a member of the class of 2026 in Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service, majoring in Culture and Politics and minoring in French and English! She is originally from Chicago, and she started MUN in her freshman year of high school. This is Ainsley’s second DistrictMUN, but she’s also staffed NCSC/NAIMUN. Outside of MUN, Ainsley loves spending time with her friends and spending her weekends with a cup of tea and a good book. She is so excited to be your chair!
Crisis manager: ryan li
About the CRISIS MANAGER
Ryan Li is a member of the Georgetown University class of 2028, double-majoring in Public Policy and Economics, with a minor in Law, Justice, and Society. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Ryan has been involved in the MUN and debating circuits for seven years, serving as the VP of his high school’s MUN club and representing Canada internationally in debate. Ryan is further entangled in the Georgetown International Relations Association through his work with GIRA Global, where he serves as Deputy External Global Strategist. In his free time, he enjoys following nearly every sport, learning about new topics in geopolitics and economics, and playing ultimate frisbee on the school team.