Speaking in a broadcast from Essequibo, President Irfaan Ali this morning assured Guyanese that there is nothing to fear in the coming days from Venezuela’s referendum today and he called on Venezuelans to join in supporting the resolution of the border controversy at the International Court of Justice.
With tensions running high as Caracas pushes ahead with the referendum, Ali also assured that the level of coverage of the matter was not a sign that there was imminent danger but that the government had been doing a lot of work to mobilise international support.
He also spoke directly to the citizens of Venezuela. Stating that he was not getting into the internal politics of Venezuela or its policy making, the President said: “I want to advise Venezuelans that this is an opportunity for them to show maturity, an opportunity for them to show responsibility and we call upon them once more to join us, to join us in demonstrating maturity and responsibility and allow the rule of law to work and to determine the outcome of this controversy…”
He added “…I want to speak directly to the Venezuelan people. We are your neighbours and we are taught to love our neighbours as we love ourselves. Long after this controversy we will live together as neighbours you have to determine within yourself, whether you want to be part of a system that runs afoul with international law…”
Addressing the fears that have arisen here, he said that “…based on all the feedback internationally…based on the support we are getting internationally I want to assure Guyanese that there is nothing to fear over the next number of hours, days, months ahead. Of course, our vigilance will be enhanced but we are working around the clock to ensure that our borders remain intact and the people and our country remain safe.
He commended Guyanese for their response and especially applauded the men and women in uniform stating that their level of commitment and sacrifice and their level of determination is unquestionable.
“So I will ask also those in leadership and responsibility in Venezuela to avoid the type of narrative and propaganda and the type of language that would instil fear and push fear in the population both in Venezuela and in Guyana…”, he said.
