The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) says it is monitoring increased Venezuelan propaganda following its sham referendum over the Essequibo County and wants an aggressive campaign in border communities to dispel this.
The Indigenous rights’ advocacy body said that it is in constant communication with its representatives and leaders, especially in border communities, to exchange information and says that the general atmosphere in the county is one of uncertainty owing to the lack of adequate and timely dissemination of information.
From time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have occupied a large part of Essequibo and hold that territory sacred and the APA said it is certain that every Indigenous person residing in Essequibo holds firm to the belief that Essequibo rightfully belongs to Guyana.
“We therefore stand in solidarity with the Government of Guyana as it continues to advocate, as per international law, for its sovereign territory to be respected.” Additionally, the APA says it supports the Government’s right to defend its territory and people and is cognizant that this territory be protected by all means necessary including deterring Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro administrative declarations on the occupation and use of Essequibo and its resources.
In the weeks leading up to Venezuela’s ‘referendum’, the APA noted reports were seen that aimed at misinforming the public and creating mischief and it [the APA] remains hopeful that more emphasis will be placed on ensuring accurate information, easily understood by Indigenous Peoples, is transmitted since many do not understand the complex information in the public domain owing to the fact that English is not their first language.
The APA says it stands ready to support the authorities to simplify all information. Indigenous Peoples, especially in the frontier communities on the Guyana Venezuela border, are at a higher risk of exposure to any aggression, and should be protected and kept informed in the face of misinformation or uncertainties, it said.
