Opposition spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament, Amanza Walton-Desir, has proposed that the Government and Opposition work on introducing legislation to the National Assembly that would regulate the influx of Venezuelan migrants in Guyana. 

Contributing to the debate today at the Extraordinary Sitting of the National Assembly to affirm Guyana’s Essequibo region, MP Walton- Desir said there is an active inflow of persons from Venezuela as well as persons returning from Venezuela who are entitled to Guyanese citizenship.

She noted that while they are covered under laws and conventions, Guyana must propose legislation that sets out clearly how it deals with this issue.

Walton-Desir said it is necessary since Venezuelans are taught from an early age that Essequibo is part of their country and as a result Guyana cannot operate as if it is business as usual, stating that the threats the country is facing are extraordinary.

“We must consider that given the fact of this territorial claim, and given the fact of this belief that Essequibo belongs to them, whether we must not be enshrined in our laws, provisions that speaks to persons being and particularly migrants and people from our western neighbour, that we would say whether there is merit in considering laws that make it clear, that participation in inappropriate political activities, that amount to insurrection, treason or promoting cessation or annexation will be met firmly by prosecution, deportation and possibly a ban on residency,” Walton- Desir proposed.

While noting that the Venezuelan migrants ought to be treated as guests and not threats, the Opposition MP also made it clear that the guests must also respect the rules and regulations of the country.

She said now is the time to have tough conversations on residency and citizenship of those coming from Venezuela, since the influx of migrants here not only poses a security threat, but the situation also has the potential to collapse the country’s healthcare and other social systems.

“Mr. Speaker, we owe it to our people to have a very clear legal framework one that is not ruled by fiat, but one that is clearly deliberated in this house, so that people who come to our nation will know exactly where they stand, where they stand and what is the path to citizenship, if any. I repeat that our first duty is the people of Guyana and we must be unapologetic in the prosecution of that duty, “the Shadow Foreign Minister noted.

MP Walton-Desir said the Opposition stands firm with the Government on the border issue and the defence of Guyana’s territorial integrity. 

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