At a time when the entire world seems to be experiencing unprecedented change in some way or the other, it is important that the institutions of the state function with a clear focus and systematic efficiency, to avoid becoming swept up in, or swept away by this unrelenting stream of change.
Worldwide, there is a heavy movement of people fleeing regions of violent conflict and headed mostly toward western countries such as France and the USA. The world is also experiencing an unusual shake up of the political status quo in governments, and this has seen the emergence of unlikely leaders like Donald Trump – an outsider to the political structure in America. All in all, change has been the single constant at this time and that has increased the level of uncertainty in the countries around the world.
The partial American government shutdown over funding for Trump’s proposed Mexican border wall and Theresa May’s failed vote on the Brexit deal are just recent iterations of this change, and we should add of course, the unprecedented no confidence vote in our own National Assembly, requiring this country to head to constitutionally mandated elections. Thus, the air of uncertainty in government that is sweeping across the world is also blowing across our borders at a time when the eyes of the world are on Guyana, consequent on the impending Oil and Gas economy.
The remarkable discoveries of oil registered by global oil corporation ExxonMobil in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, have already triggered a great increase in the numbers of visitors to Guyana, and the country is steadily taking on a cosmopolitan appearance with the increasing variety of languages one might encounter in the streets of Georgetown. For a country whose citizens are accustomed to being treated less than specially when travelling overseas, Guyana has now become the destination of choice and a land of opportunity for many. This has implications for our Ministries of Citizenship, Foreign Affairs, Finance and Tourism, and hopefully the agencies within these ministries are clear about their duties and responsibilities with respect to alien visitors to our country.
The point is that we have been unusually lax over the years with regards to our border security and illegal exit from Guyana by Guyanese was perhaps more of a concern than illegal entry into Guyana by aliens. Of course, illegal mining by both Guyanese and illegal aliens has been a longstanding issue that successive administrations have merely glanced at intermittently. But with the challenges that are coming with the changes sweeping Guyana and the world, particularly with respect to the movement of peoples beyond borders, it is imperative that this critical aspect of monitoring and controlling legal immigration and discouraging illegal immigration by facilitating controlled legal immigration across our borders be given more urgent attention and resources.
The uncertainty of the political situation and economic hardships in neighbouring Venezuela has brought about some unique problems for Guyana given the porousness of our borders and the weak police and military presence in interior locations. The first has to do with the movement into Guyana (and other South American countries) by Venezuelans seeking to escape the economic hardships at home. Guyana has taken a soft, humanitarian stance in this regard, providing food and shelter to many Venezuelans in our interior locations. This type of coordinated, orderly intervention does provide a means of monitoring and control which hopefully the authorities are executing in a systematic manner.
However, the other problem that the economic hardships of Venezuelans has brought to Guyanese in the interior is the presence of organized, violent gangs called “Sindicatos.” In Spanish, the word “sindicato” translates to “union” or “syndicate,” and seems to suggest that several gangs have formed an alliance in their operations in the Guyana interior. The modus operandi of these gangs seems to be violent intimidation to elicit payments from miners and business people, in a kind of “protection” racket of the type made popular by Italian-American mobster, John Gotti in the USA. So far there has not been any obvious impact made by security forces in Guyana on the operations of these gangs.
In February 2018, President Granger speaking to residents in the border village of Kaikan said that, “Frontier communities are guardians of Guyana’s territorial integrity and national security. They are our first line of defence against any attempt at incursions and invasions.” Indeed, this is true, and the President made these remarks against the backdrop of an increased military presence at the border to nullify the actions of the Sindicatos. However, if we are to go by the continuing villainous efficacy of the gangs’ disruption of communities and mining and other business operations in the interior, then our first line of defence has already been breached. The Sindicatos have been operating with virtual impunity for more than a year and the relative inaction or unsuccessful action by our authorities in response continually makes the situation worse and its resolution requiring a much tougher response. Venezuela’s subsequent military postures restricting the movement of vessels concerned with ExxonMobil’s operations in the Stabroek Block makes the situation more sensitive each day.
Nevertheless, inaction only makes matters worse and all Guyana should unite around matters relating to our territorial integrity and our borders. The Sindicatos situation should be viewed as a criminal matter and handled as such. The Police should investigate and gather evidence in the usual manner. The Venezuelan government would be hard pressed to defend criminal gangs that are attacking innocent civilians.
With respect to the growing population that Guyana is experiencing due to worldwide emigration and immigration into Guyana, it is not too late to begin strict monitoring and controlling of immigrants and to strictly apply immigration rules and regulations like those that Guyanese themselves face when travelling overseas. If criminal gangs can form unions and work together, it is time that our state agencies and the whole structure of government express the meaning of “sindicato” in a positive manner.
