DESPITE the rain, scores of persons from throughout the Pomeroon-Supenaam region turned up to form a circle of unity to pray for Guyana’s continued protection against Venezuela.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali arrived in the region around 03:00 hours to partake in the activity with the residents, and to assure them that Guyana’s united stance is the best weapon against Venezuela’s brazen attempts to annex the Essequibo region, which represents three quarters of Guyana’s territory.

“We are bounded and interlocked together. We stand together fearlessly to confront any challenges. It’s a simple message signaling to the world that indeed Essequibo belongs to Guyana and it belongs to every single Guyanese,” President Ali said to the residents who had gathered at the Anna Regina car park.

He said that Guyana is supported globally and is seen as a unified nation.

President Ali explained that various countries internationally are expressing their solidarity and support for Guyana.

He further explained that Guyana stands on a solid foundation and not in sinking sand.

“We do not stand on crumbling rocks. We stand on a foundation of truth, honour and dignity and that Essequibo is Guyana. Essequibo belongs to Guyana,” President Ali emphasised.

He added that he salutes all Guyanese and the unity they are displaying.

The Head-of-State used the opportunity to assure the residents and all Guyanese that the men and women in uniform are fully committed to defending Guyana’s borders and all citizens.

“With truth by ourselves, we shall never be defeated. We will be successful. No enemy, no one can take away the success from us. All across the globe we have support; Guyana is known to the world,” he said.

President Ali urged the Government of Venezuela to act in the best interest of its people and to respect the order of the World Court. He called for peace and for the Venezuelan president to focus on the prosperity of his nation and his people.

Reiterating the country’s united stance, he urged all Guyanese to remain calm and fearless.

“Our nation has risen up in unity, love and patriotism when it comes to this controversy. Do not have fear in your hearts; we have risen with faith,” President Ali said.

RELIEF AND REASSURANCE

Meanwhile, just around 06:30 hours, the prayer session began. Residents were proudly holding Guyana flags and wore white t-shirts with the map of Guyana printed at the front.

“I am so happy to be a part of this circle and to have the President in our midst. It was a relief and reassurance from our leader,” a resident who identified herself as Naiomi said.

Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva said that Essequibo is part of Guyana and it will remain that way.

De Silva urged her fellow Essequibians and all Guyanese to remain patriotic and unified.

Mayor of the Anna Regina township, Devin Mohan said that he admires the unity of the residents.

He said many persons showed up as early as 05:00 hours to hold hands in prayers.

Noting the importance of prayer, Mohan said that Essequibians are peaceful people.

“We are a people of togetherness. We are peaceful and we don’t look for trouble. We just want peace in this situation. We call on President Maduro to settle for peace,” Henry Williams said.

Many of the young people who were part of the prayer circle expressed belief that the day was a historic one. They had the opportunity to interact with President Ali who provided information about the country’s history. He also hugged many as a way of allaying fears and assuring them that everything will be alright.

“We come to pray for our land; it belongs to us, it was always ours and we are going to stand together to fight it with love, unity and prayers,” Alma Williams, another resident said.

Residents were very happy with the President’s presence and said that he has provided comfort during this uncertain time.