Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, and Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Brigadier Mark Phillips recently visited Kaikan in Region Seven and assured the residents that Government has their interest at heart, GINA said.
The visit comes amidst the ongoing border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.
A Venezuelan helicopter recently landed on the airstrip at Kaikan (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) with about eight heavily armed soldiers. The residents said that the incident was very intimidating since the men had weapons.
During his address, GINA said that Greenidge used the opportunity to enlighten the residents on his responsibilities as Foreign Affairs Minister.
“I am here also to get some experience of the developments and relationships that take place within our borders. My responsibility is the external relations, but in order to represent you the Government and the people of Berbice and Demerara and so on properly. I also need to have a feel and understanding of what is happening internally, so that’s part of my reason to be here,’ Greenidge said.
Greenidge told the residents that his Government is committed to resolving the tension between Guyana and Venezuela so that “we as a community are safe and we do not have to spend so much time and resources to have soldiers on the ground at the borders.”
GINA said that Greenidge urged the GDF to work on striking a balance to ensure that their operations do not disrupt the lives and daily operations of the community.
GINA said that the residents also called for a greater police presence in the community, since there is an increase in illegal mining, and other activities in a nearby community. Allicock told the residents that the issue would be raised at Cabinet, even as he assured that there would always be opportunities for the police and army to work together in the area to ensure residents’ safety.
A suggestion was also raised by one villager for the establishment of a Community Policing Group to help patrol the community.
