By Josiah Williams
December 17, 2024
The government has denied claims made by the Alliance for Change (AFC) that it invited Venezuelan migrants to Georgetown for assistance, only to leave them stranded.
Around 40 Venezuelan refugees, including children, gathered on Church Street in Georgetown on Monday evening, with reports suggesting that the migrants were encouraged to travel to the capital to receive government aid.
However, the government has refuted these allegations, with an official statement clarifying the situation.
Lieutenant Colonel Earl Edghill, the Aide de Camp to President Dr. Irfaan Ali, explained that the incident stemmed from a visit the President made to Essequibo last Thursday.
During the visit, some individuals approached the President seeking assistance.
In response, a government team, under the President’s instructions, ensured that these individuals were provided with food, hampers, and transportation back to Parika.
They also received financial assistance before being sent back to Essequibo by boat.
Edghill also emphasized that no formal invitation was extended to the migrants to come to Georgetown, refuting the claims made by AFC Leader Nigel Hughes.
Minister of Public Affairs Kwame McCoy also criticized the AFC’s handling of the issue, accusing the party of politicizing the matter in an attempt to score political points.
McCoy pointed out the contradiction in the AFC’s stance, noting that while the party claimed it would assume responsibility for supporting the migrants, it simultaneously accused the government of failing to fulfill its duties.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to assisting Venezuelan migrants, stating that it has consistently provided support and will continue to do so in the future.
This controversy comes amid ongoing efforts by the government to address the needs of Venezuelan refugees in Guyana.