-says all efforts within the rule-of-law will be deployed to protect Guyana’s borders
-commits to being at the front of any circumstance that requires his leadership
AMID patriotic displays of music, art and dance, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali on Sunday declared that Guyana is standing on solid ground and will be not “trampled upon” as Venezuela’s seeks to annex the country’s Essequibo region.
Addressing a mammoth crowd at the National Stadium, Providence, the Head-of-State in a bold and direct charge, said, both himself and his people will not be moved.
“I have a message for President Maduro and the vice president, nothing you say, no amount of propaganda or lies will drive any fear in my heart or the heart of any Guyanese.”
The Nicholas Maduro government on Sunday, held a controversial referendum. This saw Venezuelans taking to the polls to vote on the country’s claims to two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, despite an International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling last Friday which ordered the Bolivian state to refrain from any action that would change the status quo, which is, Essequibo is governed by Guyana.
“You have a responsibility, you can honour the order of the ICJ, you can show that you care about this region that you care about people, that you care about peace and that you are about peace,” he said as persons waved their flags.
Even as tensions rise, President Ali urged Guyanese to display empathy and love to the Venezuelan populace, especially to those who would have migrated to Guyana.
However, he maintained that Guyana will not succumb to any threats and will stand prepared to protect its people and its borders.
“We are not closing any relationship with the people of Venezuela, but let me be very clear, we are not going to be trampled upon. We are not going to be caught off guard.”
“We will do everything within the confines of international law. We will do everything within the confines of human dignity to protect what is ours, to protect our borders, to protect Essequibo,” he added.
The president further noted that Guyana has the support of many international partners and remains on the right side of the law.
Most of all Guyanese can stand assured that the president himself will be on the frontline.
“My fellow Guyanese you are on solid ground. We are standing on solid ground …I will be at the front of any circumstance that requires my leadership for Guyana and the people of Guyana. Make no mistake of this.”
PATRIOTIC
Guyanese from all walks of life on Sunday gathered at the National Stadium for a night of reflection and prayer.
Belting out national songs and declaring ‘ESSEQUBO IS WE OWN’, many stood waving the country’s national flag, the Golden Arrow Head.
Some stood attentively with zealous expressions on their faces while others chanted and sung.
Clad in colors of the flag, there was not a Guyanese in sight who stood still or remained silent.
The president commended this display, while reiterating his commitment and love for his people.
“I want everybody to know, regardless of the circumstance, how difficult it is, how easy it is, how burdensome it is, how dangerous it is, you will never see me away from you.”
“I will be with you at the front, side by side,” President Ali said to loud cheers and fluttering flags.
