On Wednesday, President David Granger, reassured residents of Baramita, in the Barima-Waini region that the Government is working to ensure the security of their community and region against threats to Guyana’s territorial integrity as a result of claims to the nation’s territory by neighbouring Venezuela. 

Speaking at the Baramita Primary School, the President declared that his administration will do everything in its power to ensure the safety of the residents of Baramita and other residents of, what he has defined as, front line communities along the 800 kilometre border with Guyana’s western neighbour.

“Venezuela has been claiming more than half of our country; the Barima-Waini, the Cuyuni-Mazaruni and the Rupununi regions, but I want you to know that we are not surrendering one centimetre of our territory; not a blade of grass. We are here to work with your village, with your region, with your Toshao, with your residents, whether they are Caribs, or Warraus or Arawaks or Arecunas to make sure Guyana is safe. Just as we inherited Guyana from our fore parents we want to pass it on to our children,” he said.

Noting that Guyana is only interested in a peaceful resolution to the conflict, President Granger told residents of the decision by the United Nations’ Secretary General, Mr. António Guterres’ decision to refer the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) after the Government of Guyana had lobbied him and his predecessor, Mr. Ban Ki-moon.  “We have fought, we have struggled to make sure that this country will not be invaded. We will go to court and we will settle the matter peacefully ad I am confident Baramita that it will be settled in your favour and you will be able to pass this land to your children and grandchildren,” he said.

While Guyana looks forward to making its case before the international court, the unstable situation in Venezuela has presented some threats to Guyanese, who live in the bordering communities with that country.  Noting that Baramita is vulnerable to illegal migration, the spread of disease, transnational crime and attacks from what is known as the Venezuelan Sindicato gang, President Granger said that Government will work with the Regional Administration, the Toshao and the village councillors, as well as the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to sure up security mechanisms.  He said, “We want to see a village that is strong, we want to see people who feel safe and we want a region that is secured that is why we are here. We are here to strengthen this village to protect the people and to ensure that their entire region remains secured.”

In that regard, the President said that there is a role for the people of Baramita to play and called on them to report any threats they observe.  “We want Baramita to be safe, stable, and strong. We believe that Baramita is one of the frontline villages. When I say frontline, I mean that you are our eyes and ears to tell the rest of Guyana when there’s danger… Every one of us has to be concerned about protecting this country and I’m convinced that it is only because of the determination of Guyanese, ordinary Guyanese, that we were able to keep aggressors at bay for the last 52 years. Because they know that we love our country that we’ll fight to protect our country; every river, ever tree, every village,” he said.

President Granger called on all Guyanese to treasure their nationality and to guard Guyana’s sovereignty, noting that peace in the region is critical to the development, safety and security of South America, including Guyana.

The President has been visiting a number of the bordering communities to reassure residents of their safety as reports have surfaced of more Venezuelans crossing over into Guyana to seek refuge from that country’s economic problems.

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