Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has emphasized the need for solidarity between the government and the parliamentary opposition in addressing the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela and the escalating tensions in the region.
During his regular weekly press conference, Vice President Jagdeo highlighted recent allegations made during a joint press conference by members of the Alliance for Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity. These claims suggested that the Government of Guyana is allowing the influx of Venezuelan migrants in a bid to have them register for the upcoming 2025 Elections to prop up the voter’s list and possibly secure more votes for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). Jagdeo at this press conference dismissed such a narrative as he revealed that there are only some 13,000 Venezuelan migrants registered here.
It was also insinuated at the opposition’s presser that the PPP government is open to sharing part of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) with Venezuela and is allowing is allowing the Spanish speaking nation to encroach on Guyana’s territory, which may lead to annexation.
The border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela has a long history, with Venezuela laying claim to Guyana’s Essequibo territory. This matter is currently being addressed by the International Court of Justice. However, tensions escalated when Venezuela expressed strong objections to Guyana’s 2022 Licensing Round for oil blocks last month, asserting its view that the auction was illegal due to the unresolved delimitation of maritime areas.
Additionally, there have been reports and videos circulating in the past week showing Venezuelan military activity near Guyana’s border in Eteringbang, Cuyuni, Region Seven.
Vice President Jagdeo criticized the recent claims and statements made by the opposition, characterizing them as “dangerous.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining a united front on matters related to Guyana’s territorial integrity, as both the opposition and the Venezuelan government have been aligning their positions on the Essequibo territory issue. Jagdeo expressed concerns that these controversial claims from the opposition could contribute to the rising tensions, which are being closely monitored by the international community.
“We need to keep the national solidarity on this matter and therefore nothing should be done to undermine it,” he asserted.
The Guyana Government has raised questions about the increased military activity near the border by Venezuela. The country’s Ambassador to Guyana, Carlos Amador Pérez Silva, explained that the military presence was aimed at curbing illegal mining activities in the area. Nevertheless, doubts have arisen regarding this explanation, particularly as footage showed the presence of war tanks, which are not typically associated with anti-mining operations.
The Guyana Government said it has taken these reports seriously and has informed CARICOM and the international community about the heightened military activities in the region.
