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March 27, 2026
Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has stated that anyone elected through fraudulent elections organised by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro will be charged with treason.
The minister made these remarks while addressing the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Inspectors’ and Sergeants’ Conference at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary, on Wednesday.
“We know Maduro is saying that on May 23, he will hold elections in Venezuela and appoint governors and other officials for Guyana’s Essequibo region. I have said today, once again, that any person—Guyanese or otherwise—who accepts an appointment as governor of Essequibo and assumes office in Anna Regina will be charged with treason and imprisoned. Every single one of them. And anyone who supports them will also face charges,” Benn declared.
Essequibo belongs to Guyana, and that has been settled more than a century ago, he said.
“They recently sent a ship near our oil rigs and FPSOs to intimidate us. I know our President, Irfaan Ali, is currently in the United States discussing this incursion. We have the support and interest of our international partners on this matter. However, within our country and at our borders, we will have to address this issue if it escalates to conflict again,” the minister stated.
Benn also referenced the recent interception and deportation of 75 Venezuelans by police on mobile patrol in the vicinity of Abram Zuil (seawall) on the Essequibo Coast.
“They did not report to an immigration checkpoint or official point of entry. Instead, they landed there, bypassing three or four other locations where they could have reported. We made the decision to deport them, seize the boat and engine. If any of them have familial ties in Guyana, we will consider keeping them. We ensured they were treated well. The police did a good job—we housed them at the NOC. Some of the facilities were not as prepared as we would like, so I want 100 beds there, along with adequate food, toilet paper, and other necessities, especially for women and children. At any time, we may need to send personnel to Essequibo to respond to issues. We do not want unidentified individuals in our country. We know there are already some infiltrators here—we have already expelled a few,” Benn noted.
He urged police officers to perform their duties diligently, ensuring the protection of Guyana’s borders.
