PRESIDENT, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, has assured Guyanese that there is no need to fear.
This assurance was given recently during engagements with residents of Port Kaituma, Region One, in light of renewed attempts by the Maduro regime to lay claim to land belonging to Guyana, consequent upon a final and legally binding agreement under the 1899 Arbitral Award.

Similar assurances were also given by Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who said that the country is prepared for any eventuality, and that all options are open to Guyana as it seeks to defend itself against Venezuelan aggression.
In this regard, Dr. Jagdeo disclosed impending visits from the US Department of Defence, underscoring the country’s commitment to exploring all options in the escalating controversy with neighbouring Venezuela.

While asserting Guyana’s unwavering dedication to preserving peace within its borders, Dr. Jagdeo also noted Guyana’s active engagements with allies to prepare for all possible scenarios. According to Dr. Jagdeo: “We are committed to maintaining peace in our country and in our borders, but we are going to be working with our allies to ensure that we plan for all eventualities.”

Guyanese are fully united on the issue of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both the ruling PPP/C and the main political opposition, the APNU+AFC, have made it abundantly clear that when it comes to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity there is complete unity and a shared resolve to repel any attempt by Venezuela to claim ownership to Essequibo, roughly two-thirds of the country’s territory.

Guyana, meanwhile, is seeking a peaceful resolution to the controversy within the framework of the rule of international law. Consistent with this approach, it has sought the intervention of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) with a view to preventing any action by Venezuela to annex Guyana’s territory as a result of a planned referendum on December 3.
The PPP/C must be commended for the calm but resolute manner in its handling of the border issue, especially in light of recent acts of provocation by the Maduro administration.

Despite the provocative stance taken by the Maduro administration on the matter, both President Ali and Vice-President Dr. Jagdeo reassured Guyanese, in particular those residing in the bordering communities, not to allow messages coming out of neighbouring Venezuela regarding the ongoing controversy to distract them from building Guyana.
In fact, Guyanese officials are paying careful attention to everything that is going on and are doing everything possible to keep our citizens safe.

“Let us concentrate on building our community, the building of our region, the building of our children, the building of our children and our women, the building of our education sector, the building of our health sector. Let no one distract us from Guyana stronger; stronger together,” the Guyanese President said.

This is what strong and decisive leadership is about. It is about building confidence about a future that is bright and prosperous, a future that is unfettered by the actions of others. Guyana is on the rise and that momentum of growth and development must not be allowed to falter by those with nefarious designs.

Despite acts of hostility and provocation by Venezuela, Guyana remains committed to peace and a peaceful resolution to the conflict within the framework of international law. In the words of President Ali: “We remain a friend and a neighbour, we remain a peaceful zone and we will do everything in our power to ensure this region remains a zone of peace, remains a region of love, remains a region of hope; this is the ambition of Guyana.”