Despite the Venezuelan government’s claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, thousands of its citizens continue to flee their homeland, many seeking refuge in Guyana. As the humanitarian crisis deepens in Venezuela, a toll is being taken on Guyana and its resources. The country is now facing a balancing act of offering compassion to those seeking assistance while keeping control over its territorial integrity.
Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan, speaking to this challenge, described how Guyana is managing the influx of Venezuelan migrants, especially in vulnerable border regions.
“In the execution of my duties and my visits to border communities, I have personally witnessed Venezuelan migrants and the embarrassment, the shame, the almost loss of dignity of families, women, children, babies, and fathers seeking refuge in a foreign land. But we could ask, why are they fleeing?
“What is your reason? And I will tell you, Guyana is receiving thousands of Venezuelan migrants. But countries like Colombia and Brazil, they are in the millions. It tells about the political and socio-economic conditions in Venezuela. This is disheartening,” the Brigadier said.
He made it clear that border security is not a military function alone. A coordinated, multi-agency response is in place to manage the situation responsibly and humanely.
“And this is another example in which not only the Guyana Defence Force is involved, but it is a multi-agency approach. Again, the Police Force, the Ministry of Health, the local government authorities, the regional authorities, everyone is on board whenever we have an interception of Venezuelan migrants. And it will continue to be so.”
The GDF’s role in humanitarian efforts, both within Guyana and abroad, continues to expand as part of its broader national development mission, he said.
