The Guyana-Venezuela Border Crisis, 2023
APPROXIMATE COMMITTEE SIZE: 15-20 delegates
gRAND cRISIS maNAGER: jaCK Willard
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.
On December 3rd, 2023, Venezuela reignited tensions by reasserting its claim to the region, threatening to destabilize the fragile peace between the two nations. In this committee, delegates will assume the roles of the Venezuelan and Guayanese Presidential Cabinets to address the escalating crisis. Each side must defend its national interests while navigating international pressure and the risk of open conflict. The fate of the Essequibo, as well the stability of northern South America, is at stake.
Cabinet of Venezuela
Cabinet of Guyana
About the Grand CRISIS MANAGER
Jack is a member of the Georgetown class of 2028 studying Neurobiology and Spanish on the pre-med track. A former high school Model UN delegate, he served as Under-Secretary-General of Committees for DistrictMUN V (bleed DistrictMUN purple!), and staffs DistrictMUN’s sister conferences for high school and college delegates. Jack’s academic interests include the science of the brain, the legacy of European colonialism in Latin America, and cultural competence in healthcare. Originally from Marlborough, Massachusetts, he enjoys listening to reggaeton, riding the DC Metro, and trying new restaurants around the city. Jack is excited to meet delegates at DistrictMUN VI as they tackle the Guyana-Venezuela Border Crisis in the Joint Crisis Committee!