Dear Editor,
“We will never bow, bend or break in the face of intimidation and aggression. No amount of intimidation will divide us as a people. We are a peaceful people and together on both sides we must seek peace and pursue it.
The people of Venezuela are our friends and we must preserve our friendship/relationship for we have more in common than what we disagree on.”
The present heavy military presence at our western frontier with Venezuela is an act of intimidation and aggression by Venezuela, and against international norms.
Such action must be condemned by all Guyanese in the diaspora, trade unions, civil organisations and religious organisations. We must never give up on diplomatic solutions.
Bartica lies in the Essequibo, Mazaruni and Cuyuni Rivers and as a mining advocate, I am deeply concerned about the safety and welfare of mine workers and Guyanese living and working along the border with Venezuela. I urge the workers to be vigilant and observant.
In light of the present renewed illegal claims to Essequibo, as well as the abnormal military presence and intimidatory tactics being employed by the Venezuelan military, I urge the government to take its cause to the people and educate them by way of public meetings, for lack of public information is creating an atmosphere of uncertainty about the Venezuela and Guyana border controversy.
I urge too that the opposition People’s Progressive Party demonstrate the highest level of maturity and put Guyana’s interest first, be it political or economic, and continue to be part of the solution to Guyana’s problem.
Yours faithfully,
Sherwyn Delano Downer
