Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton has called on the Government of Guyana to establish a system for screening, recording, and monitoring Venezuelans.
The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) leader in a statement said that those who are part of the Venezuelan security apparatus should be prevented from entering Guyana and acting against its interests.
In a video posted on APNU’s Facebook page, Norton expressed concern that the government appeared to be lost on this issue and stressed the need for the opposition to work with the government, but with certain demands, to ensure that Guyana was protected.
“We have to make demands in terms of the government doing the things that are needed to protect us,” he said.
While Norton did not elaborate on any details, he emphasized the need for unity and the importance of handling the Guyana-Venezuela territorial controversy as a non-partisan issue.
“That unity will only come when both sides are satisfied that we are handling it in the proper way, that we are open, and that there is a mechanism for all the stakeholders to participate… When those are met, then we will be comfortable,” he stated.
Norton believes that a comprehensive screening and monitoring system for Venezuelans is one of the most effective measures to ensure the safety and security of Guyana and its citizens.
Norton’s remarks come amid a surge of Venezuelans entering Guyana and the government facing pressure to implement measures to address the challenges posed by their influx.
