No guarantee of safety for indigenous communities; in light of aggression by Venezuela- AFC

May 17, 2025 News

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Kaieteur News- Alliance for Change (AFC) advisor on Indigenous and Amerindian Affairs, Laura George, has called on the Government of Guyana to provide clear information, guidance and guarantees to the indigenous people living in border communities.

Her calls were made in light of the planned May 25 elections by Venezuela to elect a governor for the Essequibo.

George highlighted that “Article 36.1 and 36.2 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, states that indigenous peoples, in particular those divided by international borders, have the right to maintain and develop contacts, relations, and cooperation—including activities for spiritual, cultural, political, economic, and social purposes—with their own members as well as other peoples across borders. It further states that, in consultation and in cooperation with indigenous peoples, effective measures shall be taken to facilitate the exercise and ensure the implementation of this right.”

She reasoned that the indigenous peoples, especially those along the borders Guyana shares with Brazil, Venezuela and Suriname, have been maintaining these relations as they lived beyond those borders before they were formally established.

Taking into consideration the threats that lie ahead, as well as the May 25 planned election, George said that clear answers will be needed in the upcoming National Toshaos Council, on how the government intends to support, and share information on its means of protection.

She stressed that the level of protection currently offered to residents of border communities is not convincing enough. “They know the extent of the army personnel, Guyana’s army personnel base there. They have a very clear idea of the extent of arms…they have there…we’re also very much aware of the lack of effective protection and services that we’ve (been) given prior during (recent) incidents that have affected our army personnel. So, they’re very concerned.”

George told the media that as of last Thursday, residents of Arrau, Kaikan and other communities along those areas reported that they were afraid to sleep. They reported that “there were three boatloads of army personnel that had at least 40 in each boat—Venezuelan soldiers. They further learned that it was a change of the guard that takes place from time to time.”

Looking at these numbers in comparison to the number of Guyanese troops present at the border base, George said the promise of protection is not convincing and the numbers should be further ramped up.

In spite of her reports, the Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan has a different version in relation to the situation in the communities.

Kaieteur News reported on Friday, that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) had intensified its border patrols, especially along the Cuyuni River, Region Seven, following three armed attacks on its troops by men in civilian clothing at the Guyana-Venezuela border.

The incidents occurred over 48 hours, prompting calls from the Guyanese Government for Venezuela to launch a full investigation.

At a media briefing on Thursday afternoon at Base Camp Ayanganna, Georgetown, Brigadier Khan, confirmed that the attacks occurred between Tuesday, May 13, and Wednesday, May 14, while GDF troops were conducting routine riverine patrols between Eteringbang and Makapa.

Despite the attacks, Khan assured that patrols would not be suspended. He outlined the military’s duty under the Defence Act and the principles of upholding national sovereignty, stating, “We have an obligation as soldiers…this is a mission we take seriously, and will continue to patrol…and to eliminate any threat to our people.”

Moreover, Brigadier Khan also mentioned that he was part of a team that visited four border communities over the past two days to engage residents. “The community and the villagers in those locations were happy, not scared… happy that we visited. Our conduct in those gaps is to patrol by foot and boat, ensuring that we defend our borders and ensure that no one is illegally coming across, especially on the border with Venezuela,” he stated.

Khan described the area where the attacks occurred as a stretch of the Cuyuni River that is sparsely populated. He added, “It’s an area that we have noted over the years where these armed men stop civilians and extort monies.”

Asked whether the attackers were part of the Venezuelan military disguised as civilians or a criminal gang, Khan declined to speculate.

“We share the border with Venezuela, and we expect Venezuela not to violate our sovereignty, but we are prepared for any eventuality, and that’s why we will continue to patrol the entire border,” he said.

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• AFC, Border, May 25, NTC, Protection

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