–Trinidad and Tobago’s Opposition Leader tells Maduro
–as international, regional support for Guyana continues to grow
CONDEMNING Venezuela’s threats to Guyana’s territorial integrity, the Opposition Leader of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar sent a stern warning to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, that if he interferes with the Guyanese people, he is interfering with Trinidad and Tobago too.

She made those remarks at a United National Congress Meeting (UNC), on Monday.
Persaud-Bissessar firmly remarked: “My clear message to Maduro is you touch one, you touch all! We unequivocally support the people of Guyana in this crisis. Stay out of Essequibo!”

The Opposition Leader also added: “The intention of the current crisis between Guyana and Venezuela created by Maduro is to whip up nationalism under the false pretext that the international community is mistreating Venezuela.
“His intention seems to be to deploy the army due to the threat of war, then control streets and movements of persons to prevent campaigning and protests,” Persaud-Bissessar said.

She recalled that as Prime Minister in 2015, she stood with Guyana’s then-president David Granger, when Venezuela claimed maritime waters encompassing Guyana’s exclusive economic zone.
The Opposition Leader further stated that situation occurred because of the Venezuelan elections that December.
“I stood up for the people of Guyana in 2015, and the UNC will stand with the people of Guyana now … Guyana must know they have our full support with meaningful and practical backing!” she said.

Persaud-Bissessar stated: “If Trinidad and Tobago’s support means we have to wait longer for Dragon Gas, so be it. I tell the Guyanese people stand your ground, you’ve suffered too long, but now you have a great future. Don’t let anyone take it from you.”
The Trinidad and Tobago leader joins many other leaders and institutions in the condemnation of Venezuela’s actions. Guyana’s support continues to grow significantly as Venezuela continues its aggressive rhetoric and actions.