|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Georgetown, Guyana (Credible Sources) — The Alliance For Change (AFC) on December 17, 2024, chided the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)-led administration for failing to implement a coherent plan to address the influx of Venezuelan Warrus migrants in Guyana. The party emphasized the urgent need for a national immigration policy to address economic migration and protect vulnerable groups, including women, children, and indigenous refugees.
During the press conference, AFC Leader Nigel Hughes and Advisor on Indigenous Affairs Laura George described a humanitarian crisis involving approximately 40 Warrus migrants stranded in Georgetown. According to George, the migrants, including lactating mothers and infants, traveled to the city after reportedly being encouraged during discussions with President Irfaan Ali. However, they were left without proper support or guidance.
George recounted a distressing scene on the night of December 16, where the group sought shelter on Thomas and Church Streets, with limited assistance. “They were given little bags with toy trucks,” George explained, noting that no government official was initially present to address their plight. She highlighted the need for structured mechanisms to protect non-nationals from exploitation, human trafficking, or destitution, especially those crossing into Guyana due to Venezuela’s economic crisis.
Hughes underscored the systemic failures in handling such situations. He criticized what he called an absence of policy, stating, “Feeding them and transporting them to Parika without a clear plan is not a policy. It is the exact opposite of a policy.” Hughes revealed that Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Edghill of the Guyana Defence Force admitted to the government’s role in relocating the migrants but failed to outline any long-term solutions.
The AFC leader stressed the impact of economic migrants on Guyana’s health, education, and housing systems, warning of long-term demographic consequences if the situation is not managed. “We need a clear, consensual immigration policy that determines who we allow into Guyana, under what conditions, and how they are supported,” Hughes said. He added that stakeholders, including civil society and political parties, must work together to address the crisis.
The AFC pledged to escalate the issue, advocating for a national dialogue and better systems to manage economic migrants. “This is a government responsibility. It should not fall to political parties or private individuals,” Hughes stated. Laura George echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the government must outline protocols to assist migrants and ensure their safety. “There needs to be a system so that we know who to approach and how to assist those in need,” she said.
The AFC also referenced international treaties governing refugee treatment, urging the government to adhere to its obligations and avoid future humanitarian crises. Hughes said, “This should not become a political issue. It is a national issue that requires urgent, organized action.”
