Influx of persons fleeing Venezuela not at crisis level

Influx of persons fleeing Venezuela not at crisis level – Greenidge

Jul 27, 2018 News

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge says Government continues to monitor the influx of persons fleeing neighbouring Venezuela, and is assuring that the situation is not at crisis level.
A multi-agency initiative recently rushed aid to Region One, Barima-Waini, where there are about 53 immigrant families with 260 persons stationed at four campsites.
Speaking with Kaieteur News about the local communities being overwhelmed in Region One, Greenidge explained that assistance is being coordinated through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).
“I am not aware that at this point in time that there should be any reason why we would be getting reports that there is anything like a crisis with hundreds or dozens of people being destitute or unaided. It may be that they don’t get as much as they may want or as quickly as they want it,” Greenidge stated.
The Foreign Affairs Minister indicated that the numbers involved tend to be more localized where persons cross the border and settle in groups, particularly indigenous people.
In such cases, he stated that the local villages may be unable to immediately provide assistance, which then triggers assistance from national agencies.
Based on the numbers, Greenidge indicated that the situation at the moment does not require international assistance.
“I don’t think we are anywhere near there,” Greenidge stated.
He explained that Guyana is in close contact with UNHCR, UN Refugee Agency as well as the International Organisation on Migration.
“They sent a team in April-May to make an assessment of needs and that has been done. It isn’t as though stuff is going on out there and we don’t know what is going on and we are not providing assistance,” Greenidge said.
He added, “There is a process involved in this and I don’t think there is anything like a crisis.”
Neighbouring Venezuela is in the midst of economic and social problems, with food shortages and supplies low, and unemployment as well as inflation at unsustainable levels.
Guyana has assembled a multi-agency Coordinating Committee that includes members from the Guyana Police Force, the Ministries of Communities, Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Social Protection, Public Health and Citizenship, and the CDC.
Since its formation, the group has already distributed household, sanitation and hygiene items to the immigrants.
Health workers, police and immigration officers have also been deployed to the border communities to support the Ministry of Public Health in inoculating these persons.
There are also health concerns stemming from the increased numbers now entering Guyana.
In Region One, several persons have been vaccinated.
According to officials, to date, 65 persons have been vaccinated against yellow fever, 77 against measles, 31 against Polio, 35 against tuberculosis, while the BCG vaccine has been administered to several babies.
Community borders of Region 7 and 9 have also seen an influx of persons. In Region 7, Government is assessing a claim made by a group who settled in an area that is said to be mineral-rich.
Guyana has also taken steps to facilitate Venezuelans and other immigrants who enter Guyana illegally and are intercepted by law enforcement officers.
Greenidge had told Kaieteur News that illegal immigrants who are caught will be provided an opportunity to register at a port of entry.
He made it clear that at this point in time that is the only flexibility that the Government is prepared to offer, where ‘Venezuelans and Haitians’ will be considered favourably to enter for a period of three to six months in the first instance.
According to Greenidge, after the six months, Government will then consider what further accommodation will be provided.

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