Guyana’s Opposition Leader Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has said that he has received information from a source that would suggest that there is a real threat to Guyana and its sovereignty from neighbouring Venezuela.
Jagdeo told a media conference on Thursday that he feels that the Government is also aware of this treat and is urging the Administration to inform the Guyanese people.
The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary said he doesn’t feel he should be the one to inform the nation about this issue.
President David Granger recently visited villages in Region 1 that are bordered by Venezuela, where 24-hour security posts were established by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).
During his visit to Kaikan, which the President described as a “frontline” village, he said “I have come here with a promise to ensure that Kaikan is fully integrated into this region and this region is fully integrated into Guyana. Have no fear, if we are united, we will prevail. We will be able to live in a strong, secure and stable country…Frontier communities are guardians of Guyana’s territorial integrity and national security. They are our first line of defence against any attempt at incursions and invasions.”
The President, according to a release from the DPI, told the villagers that while the army and the police will intensify their efforts to ensure their safety, they have a significant role to play as they are the eyes and ears on the ground.
“In weeks and months to come, I am asking you to join the People’s Militia, we are not making war with anyone but I want you to be prepared…My brothers and sisters, we have to protect ourselves… People bring illegal guns into the country and they commit crimes with those illegal guns, unregistered guns. These crimes make us feel very unsafe…We can’t only rely on the police; we have to look after our own families, our own communities,” the President said.
Prior to this meeting, the President met with villagers of Whitewater which is also bordering Venezuela and made similar sentiments. Whitewater is also benefiting from 24-hour security from the GDF.
The Guyana/Venezuela border controversy was recently referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by the United Nations after relations between the two countries reached an all time low when US oil giant ExxonMobil discovered huge amounts of oil on Guyana’s shores.
Venezuela, which is going through a political and economic crisis, is laying claim to the Essequibo county that covers about two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, and the waters off its coast.
