Proposed response to Venezuela’s new efforts to take Essequibo
Dear Editor,
Venezuela’s recent unanimous announcement to defend its rights to Essequibo from its Government in the presence of its Military Commanders should be a rallying cry for all Guyanese to be united against this threat. It is also time that we took the necessary preventative measures to protect the patronage of our citizens and their families during this heightened period of tension between neighboring Nations.
Venezuelans’ infiltration into Guyana through prostitution, illegal immigration and drug trafficking clearly points to part of their strategy to carry out their covert efforts. Over a Million Venezuelans are part of their National Militia and as a result can easily pose as distressed immigrants in need of assistance. Venezuelans’ large presence in prostitution and drug trafficking is a clear attack on the morality of our society and has led to a weakening of our law and order. This allows for easier penetration of our borders and easier integration into a lawless society where money is valued more than patriotism.
It is imperative that Our Parliament take the united steps to abolish the Homestead in Essequibo recently allocated to Venezuelan immigrants under the previous administration. In addition, establishing a Joint Military Base with the US on our half of Ankoko Island would be prudent. The removal of Venezuelan immigrants within Guyana and their peaceful return back to Venezuela also needs to begin as soon as possible. We are on the verge of a major military and covert effort by the Venezuelan Parliament to recapture a significant part of our territory. There must be no delay in our collective efforts to prevent this from happening.
No Venezuelan should be allowed to hold political or any senior position in our society during this time. President Maduro and the leaders of Venezuela have made it clear that their stance is against the sovereignty of Our Nation. Guyana continues to belong only to the Guyanese people and we must protect it better than we have done in the past while the International Court of Justice finally decides on the future of Essequibo.
“Not Mold”
Best wishes,
Mr. Jamil Changlee
Chairman
Guyana Cooperative Republicans