The decision to remove the Warrau migrants from the community of Kabakaburi, Region Two and relocate them to a camp in Region One was taken to “protect them from exploitation” according to a government source close to the issue.
Between November 2021 and early March 2022 over 125 Warrau migrants paddled for approximately 10 days, in canoes, from the Mabaruma Sub-District in Region One into the Pomeroon River where they were housed by the residents of Kabakaburi Village.
Earlier in March, the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard removed the Warrau migrants and placed them in a refugee camp on Khan Hill, Mabaruma. The banishment of the indigenous migrants from Kabakaburi was sudden and left the villagers there questioning the move.
The government source who requested anonymity told Stabroek News that migrants from Venezuela have been entering Guyana since the inception of the economic crisis in that country. The source added that the government has been issuing humanitarian and institutional support to those migrants.
The source was adamant that government has not discriminated against any of the migrants, particularly the Warraus, rather they had to ensure that those seeking relief are vaccinated against COVID-19 as well as assisted.
The Warrau nation is centred between Venezuela and Guyana along the border in Region One. The economic situation has resulted in a number of Warrau moving to Guyana. While some have relatives in Guyana, the others who are looking for a better standard of living have set up camps in various villages like Yarakita, Whitewater and Smith Creek.
Additionally, government has set up ‘refugee camps’ in various villages where the Warrau migrants dwell in less than favourable conditions.
The government said that 127 Warraus entered Guyana and initially settled in Region One but then migrated to Region Two via the river. There are 69 children in the group. While the government has not officially released any information in relation to the reason for the Warraus’ removal from Region Two, Stabroek News’ source said that the Warraus “will be given the opportunity to integrate and, where possible, reintegrate into society. The Government has taken this decision to ensure that they are not exploited.”
The 127 migrants were air-dashed from Region Two back to Khan Hill in Region One where they have been receiving support.
Carlyle Lowe, one of the residents of Kabakaburi had told Stabroek News that he was working with several village leaders to have the Warrau migrants settle in the village before they were unceremoniously removed by the authorities. He said that the Warraus started arriving in the village on November 14, 2021, and since then the residents have been assisting them. He added that initially 25 Warrau migrants arrived in the community and they were followed by approximately 80 more who undertook the gruelling journey from Region One into the Pomeroon River.
He said that regional officials had visited the community where they checked the health status of the migrants and provided them with care. The Immigration officials granted the migrants a three-month permit and informed Lowe and other volunteers to ensure that the permit was renewed upon expiration.
Region One Chairman, Brentnol Ashley said that government is looking at providing a plot of land for the Warraus for housing and to engage in agriculture and other activities. The location will also allow the Warraus to engage in fishing.
The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) has issued a call to the relevant authorities to provide increased humanitarian support to the Warrau migrants who are fleeing the economic situation in Venezuela. They also called on the authorities to address “their needs as Indigenous Peoples with human rights.”
“The APA understands that the camp in Khan Hill, Mabaruma District, where these Warraus families have settled, has become overwhelmed. As we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, such living conditions will only increase the likelihood of disease transmissions among the population, including COVID-19. Several of the migrants who were relocated remain in contact with residents of Kabakaburi. These migrants continue to call, begging to return for an opportunity to improve their living conditions,” APA had said in a statement.
Government has promised to continue addressing the needs of the Warrau migrants until permanent solutions can be arrived at.
