Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton is challenging the Government to provide data in relation to the number of Guyanese returning from Venezuela, explaining that there appears to be confusion on the part of the Government on the issue, since an early declaration by the Government contradicts a recent statement by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo. 

On Thursday, Vice President Jagdeo told a news conference that the majority of the persons coming from Venezuelan and are referred to as migrants are actually Guyanese or children of Guyanese. He contends that almost 90% of those coming to Guyana from Venezuela are entitled to Guyanese citizenship. 

But the Opposition Leader disagrees with that position, and said while the law provides for citizenship of persons of Guyanese percentage coming here, the figure provided by the VP is clearly inaccurate.

“They themselves said that the majority of Venezuelans coming over are the Warraus, the Warraus don’t have Guyanese parentage. It is true that there are Venezuelans with Guyanese parentage and they are entitled to be citizens of Guyana, but the Government itself argues, and when they provide information in Parliament, they said that most of them are Warraus and the Warraus are not children of Guyanese,” Norton contended.

Mr. Norton claims that there appears to be a scramble by the Government to register persons and give them Guyanese citizenship, alleging that the Government is also bringing persons from as far as India and Bangladesh.

He said the Opposition is keeping a close eye on the situation.

‘If you are saying to us that 90% are Guyanese, you have to explain how is it the majority according to your data are the Warrau people. Now as we look at this issue, the PPP want us to focus on the Venezuelans so that the pass other things under our eyes but we are very vigilant, we can tell you for instance in Brazil they went over and bring over people to register. We are verifying all the information on it,” Norton said.

The Opposition has long raised concerns about the number of Venezuelans migrants coming into the country unchecked, and also expressed worry that the government might be registering those persons coming to vote. 

Related posts:

Vice President Jagdeo claims majority of Venezuelan migrants are Guyanese returning home Guyana must not operate as if its business as usual with the Venezuelan threats and influx of Venezuelan migrants -MP Walton-Desir Norton calls on Government to provide honest information on situation with Venezuelan migrants Opposition calls on Government to provide plan that addresses Venezuelan refugees