By Kristen Macklingam
December 17, 2024
In a disturbing turn of events, dozens of Venezuelan migrants, including young children, were left stranded by the Alliance for Change (AFC) at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after AFC Leader Nigel Hughes claimed that his party had rescued them.
The migrants, mostly Warraus, were initially brought to Georgetown by the AFC on Monday evening.
Hughes had stated that the party would take care of the group, but by Tuesday, they were left at the ministry compound with no assistance.
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, condemned the AFC’s actions, calling it an example of political manipulation.
He accused Hughes and the AFC of using vulnerable Venezuelan migrants as political pawns, luring them to Georgetown only to abandon them after the government’s response exposed their deception.
Upon being left at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, the migrants were uncertain about their situation.
However, Member of Parliament Alister Charlie, along with Permanent Secretary Ryan Tulsiram, ensured that each migrant received $10,000 in cash and a hamper before they were transported to Parika, where they could safely return to their places of residence.
This marks the second instance within a week that Venezuelan migrants had approached the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs for assistance.
Ministry officials confirmed that they had provided aid to the group on both occasions.
McCoy strongly criticized the AFC, stating that their actions further damaged their credibility, and underscored the government’s ongoing commitment to assisting Venezuelan migrants in Guyana.