With many residents in the neighbouring communities with Venezuela expressing fear in wake of that country’s planned referendum claiming two-thirds of Guyana, President Irfaan Ali flew into Mabaruma this morning, accompanied by the top brass of the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force to reassure those residents that all will be well.

The President visited several bordering communities in the Region.

The residents in the Region expressed concern over the buildup of military activities on the Venezuelan side of the border.

While engaging the residents this morning, the President said he does not believe that there will be a military confrontation between the two countries, but he assured them that Guyana is taking nothing for granted and is constantly keeping its international partners updated on the developments. 

“We know that there is a lot of tension based on the rhetoric from Venezuela, based on the types of statement that is coming out of Venezuela and the attitude of the Venezuelans authorities leading up to their referendum. We are not in any way, shape or form taking anything for granted. So, everything that is required of us as a people, as a government, the military, we are in a state of preparedness,” the President assured.

The President told the residents that Guyana’s position has been consistent, that this border controversy must be settled peacefully at the International Court of Justice.

But on the border, the President said apart from physical monitoring, there is also monitoring by technology.

The President said an analysis was done by the Guyana Defence Force and based on that analysis; systems have been put in place.

“I want to assure that in relation to the physical men and women on the ground, there is a lot a more work that is going on behind scenes. So as the analysis continues, they will determine what strength or level of physical presence they need and what type of asset they need,” the President said.

Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Omar Khan, who accompanied the President said while there are genuine concerns in relation to activities on the border, there are also lots of rumors and speculation.

“We have enhanced our security on the borders and we are defending our territory by our presence there, but there is a lot of rumors, where some people see somethings are happening and then they passed it on to someone and then there is a fear. We don’t want you to do that,” Brigadier Khan cautioned the residents.

His statement was supported by the President who said that Guyana is listening carefully to the rhetoric coming from Venezuela and does not want to sound alarm bells.

The President pointed out to the residents that Guyana’s regional and international partners are on standby for any reckless action by Venezuela.

He said several countries have made known their strong support for the current ICJ process, while others have declared that their non-support of the acts of aggression from neighbouring Venezuela.

A number of Government and Opposition officials are expected to travel across the country in the coming weeks to ensure the population is regularly updated with all the developments related to the border controversy. The Government has warned against the sharing of Venezuelan propaganda material, while it is moving to roll out an aggressive public information campaign.

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