APNU: Guyana must be prepared for any eventuality

See full statement below:

At present, Guyana finds itself in a very precarious position and needs to think and act strategically.

The APNU, in light of the recent military strikes by the United States on Venezuela, urgently advises the Government of Guyana to immediately activate contingency plans for what this portends, especially the potential humanitarian and security crisis along our western border.

While our position on the territorial controversy remains fixed on the International Court of Justice (ICJ), process and international law, the unfolding situation demands a pragmatic, and comprehensive national response to a probable immediate movement of displaced persons seeking refuge.

We, therefore, call on the administration to:

1. Formalize a Humanitarian Task Force: Immediately establish a dedicated joint task force, inclusive of the Civil Defence Commission, the Guyana Defence Force, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Human Services and other relevant agencies and stakeholders to coordinate a national response.

2. Designate and Prepare Reception Areas: Identify and equip potential reception zones at a safe distance from the immediate border, with pre-positioned supplies of water, food, medicine, and shelter materials. This must include a vetting mechanism to minimize or avoid the infiltration and subversion of our national interest.

3. Enhance Border Monitoring & Security Protocols: While maintaining a posture of humanitarian assistance, clearly define and reinforce security and registration protocols to manage any influx in an orderly, screened, and documented manner that safeguards national security.

4. Engage Regional & International Partners Proactively: Formally alert CARICOM, the UNHCR, and the Red Cross to the potential need for logistical and financial support, ensuring Guyana is not left to bear a disproportionate burden as a result of the influx of Venezuelans.

The APNU wishes to state unequivocally that this is a moment when there must be inclusive decision making with the involvement of all stakeholders in pursuance of national unity in the face of a potential emergency. There is need for an approach that transcends partisan politics.

We stand ready to lend our full support to the promotion and protection of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

We offer our cooperation in developing legislative measures, mobilizing community-based support networks, and providing bipartisan political backing for the necessary resource allocations to protect both vulnerable people and our nation’s stability.

We urge swift, transparent, and decisive action. APNU sees such actions as necessary in promoting responsible sovereignty and humanitarian foresight.