Prime Minister Mark Phillips has described Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton’s presentation in Parliament today as “most unpatriotic,” as he firmly rebuffed criticisms levelled against the government’s handling of the Venezuela border controversy.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came after Norton, before walking out of the House with fellow opposition members, rejected a government-backed motion on the Venezuela matter. Norton said the opposition could not support the motion due to what he described as the administration’s mishandling of the controversy, among other matters.
He claimed the opposition had recommended tangible actions, including Spanish-language ads in Latin American media, social media campaigns, activation of the people’s militia, and increased border security resources but have not seen any improvements in these areas.
In a point-by-point rebuttal, Prime Minister Phillips countered Norton’s assertions, saying many of the suggested measures are already in place.
“Mr. Speaker, we have a PR campaign,” the Prime Minister informed. “We have an ongoing PR campaign, and if you listen to the man in the street; the minibus or bus driver, the taxi driver, the maid, the school children, the market vendor, today in Guyana, every Guyanese is better informed about the Guyana Venezuela controversy than any other time before.”
He also said the opposition was given ample opportunity to contribute to the draft motion. “In draft, this motion was submitted through the right channels to the chief whip (of the APNU+ AFC) requesting that they read the draft, that they submit their amendments and that they support a joint motion before this House,” he said. “The motion was submitted in keeping with the deadline without the value of any amendment and any support by the opposition.”
In response to the activation of the people’s militia, Prime Minister Phillips said Guyana’s “National Reserve is alive and well and stronger now than at any time in the country’s history.”
“Every citizen is able to be a soldier and to defend Guyana,” he informed the House.
The Prime Minister cited national events such as the independence flag-raising ceremony as efforts toward building patriotism, and expressed regret over the opposition’s withdrawal from the proceedings.
“The government and opposition should never be divided on such a matter,” he said, reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to defending Guyana’s internationally recognised borders.
