Norton: Venezuelan migrants should be kept out of Essequibo

PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton

Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Aubrey Norton, said Venezuelan migrants should be settled outside the Essequibo region as the South American neighbour faces political instability that could spur a new migration surge.

Last Saturday, the US extracted President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their home in Venezuela and flew them to the US. They were charged with cocaine trafficking conspiracy and partnered with cartels designated as terrorist groups.

Norton, who was speaking on the potential implications for Guyana of unfolding developments in Venezuela, warned that the government must maintain control of migration flows and guard national security, citing the long‑running controversy with Venezuela over Essequibo. Venezuela has repeatedly claimed the resource‑rich territory, a claim Guyana rejects and which is before the International Court of Justice.

“I have also argued that in whatever we’re doing we must not have them in Essequibo. They should be in Demerara, at least for now or in Berbice. Essequibo is under claim from Venezuela. We cannot allow a population buildup in Essequibo,” Norton said.
He said political divisions inside Venezuela could affect migration patterns, with some groups more likely to flee than others. Norton said Guyana needs a more coordinated and controlled approach to deal with any influx.

“One of the first things they need to do is have a policy. The second thing is a proper intelligence network to know what is happening. The third thing they need to do is to engage the stakeholders in Guyana to ensure we are all united against Venezuela,” Norton said.

He also voiced concern about the lack of reliable data on Venezuelan migrants in Guyana and urged intelligence gathering and regular security and parliamentary meetings to stay ahead of the situation.

“We need to set up an area away from the border where we can accommodate Venezuelans, screen them, and ensure we are on top of the situation rather than allowing people to just come and end up in our society. We have no records of them,” he said.

The government is preparing to introduce a Single Electronic Identification System to strengthen border controls and assist in managing migration. Under the new system, all non‑citizens will be required to obtain the card within a defined grace period, with sanctions for non‑compliance.