— Allicock on Venezuelans seeking help here

MINISTER of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, has noted that while the economic crisis in neighbouring Venezuela continues to affect that country’s population, Guyana should look into the interest of the foreigners on humanitarian grounds.

He made the statement in response to a question posed by the Guyana Chronicle during a press briefing on Wednesday at the Guyana Forestry Commission multiplex in Kingston, Georgetown.

According to Allicock, the matter of Venezuelans fleeing that country’s crisis across Guyana’s borders “is a matter of great concern” and is being addressed by several government agencies.

In recent months, there have been reports from villages on the fringes of the borders mainly in Regions One and Region Seven, of Venezuelans,as well as Guyanese returning from the neighbouring country, seeking residence in the communities here.
Allicock said persons may have been born here and have their documents intact and according to him, once those are in order, it is easier for them to be accepted on these shores.

For those claiming to be Guyanese through parentage, he said “as long as there is evidence, all efforts will be made to regularise them through registration”.
He said too that there might be cases where persons are “strangers” to Guyana.
“We have a right to look after them,” he said. He cautioned that the ministry would not wish to ignite a situation which would create tension.

“We have to be very sensitive with it,” he said. He said the foreigners should be also looked at on humanitarian grounds.
Allicock said that he is aware of the rebel groups in the neighbouring country about which Guyanese have expressed concern. Such groups, including the “Sindicatos”, have been making the rounds in the news as persons noted the brutal manner in which the group operates.

The minister said he went to investigate a matter in one of the villages close to where the groups are stationed across the border, but noted that the ministry is working with the military and police to maintain security.

Vice-Chair of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Lenox Shuman, who was present at Wednesday’s press briefing, urged Guyanese to remember that at one point in this country’s history, locals went to Venezuela in masses seeking a better life.
“Now the tables are turned,” he said, noting that Guyana has a moral obligation to address the plight of its neighbour in the interest of humanity.

Several nations bordering, or in proximity to the Bolivarian state, have reported thousands of Venezuelans crossing into their countries seeking refuge.
Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, said recently that Guyana is no exception, as Venezuelans continue to come here almost on a daily basis, some legally and others illegally.

Felix indicated that Guyana is seeking to take a more accommodating approach to the situation.

“Usually when you enter a country illegally, you are prosecuted,” he said, “but we are trying to turn away from prosecution, given the special circumstances. We are trying to chart a course away from prosecution, and one that is not too costly.”