Chairman of Region One (Barima-Waini), Brentnol Ashley says the increasing number of Venezuelans is impacting negatively on the border communities and while the region is willing to provide help it also wants to secure the interests of local residents.
“Basically we would’ve had an influx, yes. And the main reasons they come is because of the crisis in Venezuela. Most of them are coming for food and medical services – medication and to seek the services of our medical practitioners,” Ashley said.
The Regional Chairman pointed out that from their observations they have noted that most of the persons who have crossed the Guyana-Venezuela border and have been entering the Barima-Waini region have been seeking help to fight malaria.