The Alliance For Change (AFC) and the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) have condemned the incursion on Saturday into Guyana’s waters by a Venezuelan navy boat.
In a statement on Saturday, the AFC said that it condemns in the strongest possible terms the “barefaced show of force exhibited by Venezuela today, when it’s navy vessel entered Guyana’s territorial waters and brandished its lawlessness.
“There is absolutely no doubt that the area where the Liza offshore well, and the supporting vessels and infrastructure lie, are well within Guyana’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone. Just a few short days ago, our soldiers were ambushed, and today, the navy patrol boat was used to intimidate and threaten those on the Liza Prosperity. This lawless and reckless behaviour must be called out for what it is. It will be confronted”.
The WPA yesterday added its voice to the condemnation.
“We see this action as yet another deliberate attempt to test our country’s resolve to stand firm to our historical position that the current borders with our neighbours are legal and legitimate. Venezuela is also testing the commitment of our allies, especially the USA, in support of Guyana’s territorial integrity.
The WPA said that it continues to believe that the gravity of the Venezuela threat seems not to be a priority for the government
“This is a stubborn truth, which must concern all Guyanese. Our government appears more intent on fighting wars with its domestic adversaries rather than mobilizing a national response to this clear and present danger. While the government is correct in moving to galvanize regional and international opinion on our side, one does not get the impression that there is a sense of urgency or an overall strategy.
“External support is imperative if we are going to stave off the Venezuelan juggernaut. But a national domestic strategy is equally important. WPA is uncomfortable with government briefings after acts of aggression by Venezuela. We repeat our call for the setting up of a broad-based, multi-party Border Cabinet comprising representatives of all parliamentary parties, key Civil Society groups and professionals and experts in security and international affairs. Such a Cabinet should be charged with continuous monitoring of the situation and making recommendations to the government. The opposition must not be treated as aliens on this matter and similar matters of national importance”, the party said.
The WPA also called on the government to begin a recruitment drive to expand the size of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and also urged a hike in defence spending aimed at modernizing the capability of the GDF.
