The following is the full text of a statement from the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association on the subject of the Venezuela border controversy:

“THE Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA) stands alongside all of Guyana against any attempt to violate the integrity of our borders and stands with, and applauds the Government of Guyana in its steadfast pursuit of a peaceful and lasting resolution of the Venezuela controversy, in adherence to international law, and in accordance with the rulings of the International Court of Justice.

The GMSA joins with the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Leader of the Opposition in emphasising that it is imperative that each and every citizen remains calm, determined and vigilant.

We express our confidence in the ability of our government to confront with competence and dedication the declared threats from the Government of Venezuela to the patrimony of our nation.

The GMSA reminds each and every Guyanese that in this time of unprecedented and unlawful threat against our nation, in unity we prevail, in division we succumb; and to take comfort in the fact that the democratic countries of the world, the United States of America, Canada, CARICOM, the Commonwealth countries, the vast majority of the countries of Europe and member countries of the Organisation of American States, including our neighbouring Brazil, are unequivocally in support of Guyana, and will oppose any attempt to annex any part of our country.”