PNC/APNU supports increased security along Guyana-Venezuela border

The Opposition, People’s National Congress Reform/A Partnership for National Unity (PNCR/APNU), has called for enhanced security along the Guyana-Venezuela border in light of the recent armed attack on a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) supply vessel.

The attack occurred on Monday between Eteringbang and Makapa and was carried out by a group of heavily armed men firing from Venezuelan territory.

In a statement on its Facebook page, the PNCR/APNU praised the local soldiers for their bravery in defending themselves and Guyana’s territorial integrity, while also wishing them a speedy recovery.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, who visited the injured soldiers at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Tuesday, also said he was deeply moved by their resilience and courage.

All six soldiers—2LT Ansel Murray, SGT Andre Frazer, SGT Kevon Davis, CPL Kevin Henry, LCPL Troy Yorrick, and PTE Ezra Samuel—are in stable condition and receiving medical care.

The President also stated that Guyana is proud of its servicemen, describing them as true heroes and patriots who stood firm as a unit in the face of adversity.

He met with their relatives, offering his and the nation’s gratitude for their service and sacrifice. He reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support for the brave soldiers, emphasising that their well-being remains a top priority.

An investigation has been launched into the attack. The government is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the incident, and the President noted that the government will determine its course of action based on the investigation’s findings. The GDF has since mobilised to reinforce its presence along the Cuyuni River. 

The PNCR/APNU also called on the government to remain continuously vigilant in protecting Guyana’s territorial integrity, while pointing out that the GDF must be able to withstand and repel all armed threats from across the Cuyuni River.

Following the incident, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, summoned Venezuela’s Ambassador to Guyana, Carlos Perez, to condemn the attack and demand redress.

While an investigation is ongoing, preliminary indications suggest that the perpetrators are members of Venezuelan criminal gangs who operate with impunity on Venezuela’s side of the international border.

Minister Todd, in registering Guyana’s strong outrage over the attack with Venezuela’s Ambassador, also stated that Guyana holds Venezuela responsible.

“He reminded the Ambassador that, under international law, Venezuela is responsible for any harm caused to Guyana or its nationals by persons acting from Venezuelan territory, including private individuals unaffiliated with the Venezuelan government or armed forces. The Minister insisted that Venezuela comply with its international obligation not to allow its territory to be used to harm a neighbouring state, to eliminate the presence of Venezuelan criminal gangs in the border region, and to prevent any future attacks on Guyana,” a statement posted on the Ministry’s Facebook page said.

Pointing out that Venezuela maintains a significant military presence in the region despite the absence of a security threat from Guyana, the Minister insisted that Venezuela deploy these assets against the criminal gangs within its territory that pose a threat to both states.

Minister Todd further expressed concern about the Ambassador’s failure to denounce the incident, and Venezuela’s failure, thus far, to take any action to pursue, apprehend, or bring the perpetrators to justice. “Inaction,” he warned, “is complicity, and Guyana will not hesitate to fully exercise its rights under international law to hold Venezuela accountable.”