Providing adequate shelter to the thousands of Venezuelan migrants who have come to Guyana in recent months is a key concern, according to Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix.
According to a Ministry of the Presidency release, he made this disclosure on Monday to a team from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) at his office, during which issues affecting Venezuela migrants were discussed.
According to the release, Felix informed UNHCR’s Deputy Regional Representative, Chiara Cardoletti-Carroll that the availability of adequate shelter for Venezuelan migrants was one of his main concerns. He also noted that access to jobs and appropriate educational opportunities for migrant children are also challenges that the authorities here are faced with.
Cardoletti-Carroll, who is based in Washington DC, expressed willingness to work along with the Department to see how best the issues raised can be resolved.
The release said that with regards to shelter, she stated that prefabricated accommodation can be offered but the UNCHR would need the reassurance that the structures would be erected on land that is not under dispute.
Accompanying the UNHCR representative were Chief of Mission, Trinidad and Tobago, Leila Jane Nassif; Senior Regional Protection Officer, Washington DC Office, Rana G. Ksaifi and Senior Liaison Officer for Guyana, Cecilie Guerrero. Felix was accompanied by his Technical Officer, Jermaine Grant.
