The establishment of a Joint Parliamentary Committee on Territorial Integrity, classified briefings to the opposition, and a Joint Parliamentary Mission to major capitals, are among recommendations that have been put forward by the Alliance For Change (AFC) to address the ongoing border row with Venezuela.

Executive Member of the AFC, Cathy Hughes said Guyana’s response to Venezuela’s increasing acts of aggression and provocation must not be lopsided. 

“Let us establish a Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Territorial Integrity, comprising representatives from all major political parties, civil society, and the diplomatic corps. This body should meet quarterly to be briefed and to contribute to strategies,” Hughes told reporters during AFC’s weekly press conference today.

Hughes also called for regular classified briefings for the opposition on all developments—legal, diplomatic, military, and political—relating to the border controversy, and a broad-base civic education programmes led by both the Ministries of Education and Culture.

“Our diplomats abroad must speak with one Guyanese voice. We recommend a joint parliamentary mission—inclusive of opposition and civil society—to key capitals: Washington, Brussels, London, Beijing, and within CARICOM. We must show the world that Guyana stands united in peace, and firm in sovereignty,” Hughes added.

But even as she tabled the recommendations, Hughes expressed disappointment that despite the gravity of the border controversy, the Government has not seen it fit to convene the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Relations regularly.

“From 2015 to 2018, during the APNU+AFC administration, the parliamentary committee on foreign relations which includes government and opposition participation met 22 times. That is the model we set—a model of dialogue, consultation, and inclusion in matters of national interest.  But in the five years of this PPP/C administration. From 2020 to date the foreign relations committee has met 3 times.  This is a clear example of the PPP lack of commitment towards including the opposition in creating a national approach to our border controversy,” she pointed out.

Today, the National Assembly passed a motion expressing its full support for the Government of Guyana in its efforts to protect and defend Guyana’s territorial integrity through peaceful and lawful means, including continued recourse to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

But noting the Opposition’s full support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Hughes said it could not support the Government sponsored-motion on the grounds that it lacked clear and decisive action on how Guyana will counter the threats posed by Venezuela. 

Hughes said the motion failed to condemn outright the elections proposed by Venezuela on Sunday, the eve of Guyana’s Independence Anniversary.

She said that it was disappointing that the Government has not seen it necessary to incorporate the recommendations of the Opposition in its response to the growing threats from Venezuela.

The AFC Executive said the border controversy with Venezuela is not the concern of one party or one government alone, but rather it is a national issue that requires the full weight of Guyanese unity, resolve, and collective statesmanship.

“At no time in our history has the imperative for national unity been more vital. For this is not merely a contest over territory—it is a test of our maturity as a people, our fortitude as a nation, and our capacity to rise above partisanship in the defence of sovereignty,” Hughes said.

Related posts:

Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Foreign Relations to meet in June to discuss ongoing border issues Opposition wants Clause on Non-Partisan Commission on the Border Controversy to remain in Parliamentary Motion No money to be spared in educating public on border issues -Foreign Minister Guyana is united and resolute against latest Venezuelan claim – Parliamentary Committee