Guyana’s failure to appoint ambassadors to Venezuela, Brazil worrying – Walton-Desir

Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs Amanza Walton-Desir has expressed deep concern over the failure of the Guyana government to appoint ambassadors to Brazil and Venezuela.

As two of Guyana’s most consequential bilateral interactions on the South American Continent, the absence of Guyanese plenipotentiaries could have serious implications for the nation’s security and development, the Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) said.

Guyana Standard understands that Walton-Desir has already dispatched several questions through the Clerk of the National Assembly seeking answers from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, on the reasons for the non-appointment of ambassadors to these critical posts. She also required the Minister to advise on the date by which he expects appointments will be made.

Walton-Desir emphasized the importance of appointing an ambassador to Venezuela. She noted that despite the ongoing border controversy, it is imperative that diplomatic relations are maintained.

She also highlighted the concerning development of thousands of Venezuelan migrants entering Guyana, which, in itself, has national security implications. The absence of an ambassador to Venezuela compromises the nation’s ability to respond to incidents that may occur and undermines the representation of Guyana’s security interests, the Member of Parliament said.

Similarly, she noted that Brazil is a significant player in the region and the world. The absence of an ambassador to Brazil undermines Guyana’s ability to promote business and investment opportunities and to facilitate cross-border issues requiring cooperation, such as security, environmental protection, and migration.

Walton-Desir noted that Brazil’s role in regional organizations such as the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) also makes the appointment of an ambassador crucial to strengthening Guyana’s participation in these organizations and promoting regional cooperation on issues such as security, climate change, and economic development.