COME TO THE FRONT: APNU says govt being evasive on national security as citizens demand answers

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as the Government of Guyana’s “evasive” handling of national security matters, particularly at a time of escalating regional tension and a paralysed National Assembly.

In a statement, APNU noted that while the Government has issued public pronouncements on emerging national security issues, it has failed to engage its political counterparts in any meaningful way.

The APNU coalition warned that the regional security environment is becoming increasingly volatile, pointing to heightened tensions involving Venezuela and recent actions by United States authorities targeting Venezuelan state-linked assets and officials and the capture of the country’s President, Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

APNU noted that such developments underscore the seriousness of the moment and the need for transparent, coordinated national leadership.

According to APNU, while direct and public warnings are now being issued internationally, both Parliament and the Guyanese public remain without a comprehensive national security briefing, a national risk assessment, or a clear articulation of Guyana’s strategic posture.

“Leadership cannot be outsourced to press statements, nor can national security be governed by ambiguity,” the coalition stated, adding that Guyanese deserve clarity, preparedness and truth, not silence.

The coalition stressed that the rule of law and Guyana’s national interest must remain paramount and should be clearly communicated to international partners, even as Guyana continues to position itself as a responsible partner for global peace and cooperation.

The party’s statement comes against the backdrop of a paralysed National Assembly that remains without an Opposition Leader, four months after the will of the people was expressed at the polls.

Opposition political parties have pointed to the government-nominated Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, whom they said has been unable to facilitate a meeting of Opposition Members of Parliament for the election of an Opposition Leader, leaving Parliament effectively in limbo.

Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Party is regarded as the presumptive Opposition Leader, with his party securing the second largest number of seats in the House.