The Nicolás Maduro regime has taken a dangerous step in the historical territorial dispute over Esequibo by appointing Admiral Neil Villamizar, former commander of the Maritime Insular Strategic Defense Region (REDI Maritime Insular), as the candidate for the governorship of the self-proclaimed state of Guyana Esequiba. This appointment, far from being a symbolic gesture, represents a significant escalation in the conflict with Guyana, with implications that transcend the region and attract the attention of powers such as the United States, which is increasingly alarmed by Caracas’s maneuvers.
A Naval Strategist Leading Esequibo
Neil Villamizar is not just any politician; he is a career military officer with an extensive background in the Venezuelan Navy. Graduated from the Naval School of Venezuela in 1991, Villamizar has held prominent roles that have established him as an expert in maritime defense and strategic operations. Between 2019 and 2021, he commanded the Fleet of the Navy, and prior to that, he led the Submarine Squadron, managing the submarine AB Sábalo S-31, a crucial asset in the country’s underwater capabilities.
In July 2021, he took command of the REDI Maritime Insular, a jurisdiction that encompasses the state of Nueva Esparta, Venezuelan federal dependencies, and the country’s maritime spaces. This experience gives him a profound knowledge of maritime dynamics and island defense, a crucial factor in the context of Esequibo, a territory of 159,500 km² rich in natural resources—such as oil, gold, and timber—and with a strategic geopolitical position in the Caribbean, close to key trade routes.
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Clear Intentions: The Militarization of the Conflict
Villamizar’s appointment as candidate for the governorship of Guyana Esequiba is not a casual move. Maduro aims to send a clear message: Esequibo is Venezuelan territory, and the regime is determined to consolidate its control through a strategy that combines politics and military force. This appointment has several implications that could redefine the conflict:
Militarization of the Dispute: Unlike a traditional politician, Villamizar is a naval strategist with experience in territorial defense operations. His profile suggests that the regime will prioritize a militaristic approach, possibly increasing the Navy’s presence in the waters near Esequibo, a zone already tense due to Venezuelan and Guyanese patrols.
Provocation to Guyana and CARICOM: Guyana, backed by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), has defended its sovereignty over Esequibo, especially after the discovery of vast oil reserves in the area by ExxonMobil in 2015. The appointment of a former military commander as governor will be seen as a direct challenge, which could intensify diplomatic tensions and increase the risk of confrontations in the region.
U.S. Reaction: Washington has firmly supported Guyana in this conflict, especially since Esequibo became a key point for security energy in the hemisphere. In 2023, the U.S. increased military cooperation with Guyana, including joint exercises and logistical support. The implied militarization in Villamizar’s appointment could provoke a stronger response from the U.S., which has warned against any Venezuelan actions that alter the status quo. In a context where the Donald Trump administration, in 2025, has adopted a tougher stance toward Venezuela—revoking TPS for 348,000 Venezuelans—this move could be seen as a direct threat to U.S. interests.
Regional Instability: The presence of a high-ranking officer in a political position within a disputed area could generate uncertainty in the Caribbean and South America. This may affect economic agreements related to oil exploitation in Esequibo and compromise maritime security, especially in a region that already faces challenges such as drug trafficking and piracy.
Esequibo: A Geopolitical Chessboard in Play
The dispute over Esequibo, which dates back to 1899 with the Paris Arbitration Award (considered fraudulent by Venezuela), has entered a new phase of tension. In December 2023, Maduro organized a referendum to annex Esequibo, a movement that was internationally condemned and led the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to urge both parties to avoid actions that could escalate the conflict. However, the creation of “Guyana Esequiba” as a Venezuelan administrative entity and Villamizar’s appointment show that the regime is willing to challenge these warnings.
Esequibo is not only a territory rich in resources; it is a strategic point in the Caribbean that connects key maritime routes and serves as an area of influence for global powers. Russia, an ally of Maduro, has increased its military presence in Venezuela, while China has invested in oil projects. For its part, the U.S. sees Esequibo as a counterweight to the influence of these actors in the western hemisphere, making the region a geopolitical chessboard.