As security concerns mount over the large number of Venezuelan migrants in Guyana, the Chief of Defence Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Omar Khan, indicated today that the migrants coming from Venezuela now face a thorough vetting process before they are allowed to gain entry.

On a recorded interview released by the GDF this morning, Brigadier Khan admitted that the country’s borders are tough terrain which can sometimes attract criminal activities, triggering the need for more vetting of migrants.

“That is why we have implemented strong security measures on vetting, processing, documenting all Venezuelan migrants. And this is another example in which not only the Guyana Defense Force is involved, but it is a multi-agency approach. The Guyana Police Force, the Ministry of Health, the local government authorities, the regional authorities, everyone is on board whenever we have an interception of Venezuelan migrants. And we will continue to do so,” Brigadier Khan noted.

The head of the GDF said he is confident that with the work being done by the Joint Services, criminal elements coming through the bordering regions will face arrest and the law.

“Guyana is receiving thousands of Venezuelan migrants, but countries like Colombia and Brazil, they are in the millions. It tells about the political and socio-economic conditions in Venezuela. This is disheartening. But while Guyana is approaching this with compassion, we are committed to safe borders in the protection of our borders,” Brigadier Khan stated.

On the defense side, Brigadier Khan noted that the humanitarian gesture is not uncommon, to the GDF explaining that the Guyana Defense Force has been involved as part of its role to conduct humanitarian and disaster relief operations.

It is estimated that more than 60,000 Venezuelan migrants have made their way to Guyana over the past few years. The Government has faced criticism for not doing enough to stem the problem.

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