There is growing concern among officials about the spreading of Venezuelan propaganda on the border controversy in Guyana. In the past few days, reports have surfaced about the movement of Venezuelan military troops in villages close to a section of the border the country shares with Guyana. Those claims were triggered by a voice note that has been making its way across social media.

However, sources in the bordering regions have indicated to News Source that there has been no unusual movement of Venezuelan troops close the Guyana border. But it was noted, that across in Venezuela, there continues to be a crackdown on illegal mining in that country and a number of operations appear to have been launched to address the issue.

Sources familiar with the situation, have also told News Source that Guyanese citizens have to be mindful and careful to not spread Venezuelan propaganda on the controversy locally. Still, one source noted, that all of the claims in the voice note have been checked and there will be continuous monitoring of areas along the Guyana-Venezuelan border.

One source noted that with elections upcoming in Venezuela, there is expected to be increased dissemination of misinformation by Venezuela on the border controversy, since the issue could be used as a campaign tool to drum up support among Venezuelans as they prepare for the polls.

In recent weeks, Venezuela has been calling for dialogue on the border controversy. Those calls have been ignored by Guyana, as the case filed by Guyana against Venezuela for a final judicial settlement of the controversy at the International Court of Justice remains active.

In a recent statement to mark the 124th anniversary of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which settled the border controversy, the Government of Guyana said it remains firmly of the view that the Arbitral Award of 1899 is valid, adding that Guyana is committed to a path of final and peaceful settlement and will continue to adhere to the rule of International Law and the procedures of the International Court of Justice.

The Government said Venezuela has abandoned the rule of law and good faith, and continues to lay claims to the Essequibo territory. Several international organisations, including The Commonwealth, the Organisation of American States and CARICOM, recently made known their support for Guyana as the country forges ahead with the case before the International Court.

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