We were once in their shoes

Oct 28, 2023 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom

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Kaieteur News – The turmoil in Venezuela, characterized by political instability, economic crisis, and a crumbling social structure, has forced millions of its citizens to seek refuge in neighbouring countries. Among these countries, Guyana has been a welcoming haven for many Venezuelans seeking respite from their homeland’s woes.

Now, however, that the Venezuelan government is at odds with the government of Guyana over the planned referendum about the Essequibo, it is hoped there are no acts of discrimination, hatred, or unwarranted accusations against these vulnerable migrants. They are not responsible for their government’s actions.

Venezuelan migrants must not become the objects of hatred and recrimination because of the present actions of their government in moving towards a referendum on Essequibo. Even before this latest escalation in tensions, there was a pushback in Guyana over the presence of migrants with some persons maliciously suggesting that some of these migrants could threaten our national security.

Venezuela does not need migrants to threaten Guyana’s national security.  Venezuelan military’s air power, armor and manpower is far superior to Guyana’s.

The struggles of these migrants should not be exacerbated by unfounded suspicions or recriminations because of their government stance towards the Essequibo. These migrants cannot and should not be blamed for the actions and postures of their government. They are simple people trying to escape extreme hardships in their country. They are trying to make a living.

The Venezuelan migration crisis has become one of the most concerning humanitarian crises in our Region. The dire situation in Venezuela, marked by food and medicine shortages, hyperinflation, and political turmoil, has driven over six million Venezuelans to seek refuge abroad. As a result, countries across the region, including Guyana, have had to accommodate these individuals in need.

Guyana, with its history of migration and has opened its doors to thousands of Venezuelan migrants.  But Guyana is not being swamped by migrants. According to the International Migration Organization, there are approximately 19,000 Venezuelan migrants in Guyana, a relatively small number compared to the over half a million in Brazil and the three million in Colombia. Guyana has a role to play in demonstrating kindness to the Venezuelan migrants just as they did in the past to our economic migrants.

Many of those who have come over to Guyana are Indigenous peoples and hundreds of others are Guyanese who left here in droves for Venezuela during the difficult times and who have returned with their children. At that time, Venezuela welcomed them and allowed to them to start new lives there. Many raised families and become integrated into Venezuelan society without hassles.

The Venezuelans who now find themselves in Guyana are, in many ways, following in the footsteps of the Guyanese who ventured abroad for a better life. This shared history of migration should foster empathy and understanding, not hatred and prejudice.

The Venezuelan migrants are not burdens on our society. Almost all of them are extremely hardworking. These migrants are an invaluable source of labour for various industries. The construction sector heavily relies on Venezuelan workers. Without them, the sector would grind to a halt.

Venezuelan migrants are not only participating in the workforce but also contributing to the local economy. Most of their earnings are reinvested in Guyana, thereby stimulating the local economy.  They are consumers, renters, and customers.

While the contributions of Venezuelan migrants to Guyana are evident, it is disheartening to observe the backlash they face, particularly when it comes to the issue of Venezuelan women engaging in the sex industry.  Many of these sex workers have turned to such work out of necessity, not choice. The harsh economic conditions in their home country have left them with few options, and they should not be blamed for trying to make a living.

The notion that Venezuelan sex workers are “breaking up people’s homes” is misguided and unfounded. Relationships and families can be strained in any society for various reasons, and it is unjust to single out one group as the source of such issues. Guyanese society must avoid demonizing Venezuelan migrants and instead focus on helping them just as they helped us in the past.

In light of the increasing tension surrounding the Venezuelan government’s planned Essequibo referendum, it is of utmost importance that our government takes a firm and proactive stance against any acts of reprisals or discrimination targeting Venezuelan economic migrants.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)

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• economic crisis, Guyana, instability, social, Venezuelan

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