GUYANA | M.P. Walton Desir is Hopping Mad at Govt's cancellation of critical meeting to deal with Venezuela's threat to Essequibo

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, June 5, 2024 - Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation,  Amanza Walton Desir has expressed her concern and deep disappointment over a snap decision of the government to abruptly cancel a  long awaited meeting of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Foreign Relations.

In a statement, Mrs Walton Desir said the meeting which was set for June 3, 2024 at 14:00 hrs, was abruptly cancelled just one and a half hours before it was due to commence, with  No alternative date  being proposed.

“My colleague Ronald Cox, M.P journeyed from Mabaruma, Region 1 for this meeting. Region 1 is on the frontline of this crisis and is acutely affected by a myriad of issues resulting from the current migration crisis.

“The last minute cancellation is not merely an inconvenience but a significant setback for our efforts to address the pressing national security concerns posed by Venezuela's aggressive actions regarding the Essequibo region. The committee was to discuss among other things, the ongoing military buildup along our border and receive updates on the legal aspects of the case before the ICJ.

“The continued failure to convene this important committee, undermines our ability to respond effectively to these threats against or nation’s sovereignty and territorial interiority. The people of Guyana deserve transparency and decisive action from their leaders, especially on matters of such critical importance. 

“I have consistently called for updates and discussions on these developments and have written multiple letters to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd, urging the convening of this committee, yet my requests have been met with silence.

“This is not a time for political manoeuvring. The safety and security of our nation are at stake. I call on the government to immediately announce a new date and to ensure that this critical committee can perform its constitutionally mandated role. Our national security demands our full attention and united efforts.

 “The people of Guyana must be kept informed of the real threats we face and the measures being taken to protect our country. I will continue to advocate for transparency, accountability, and a robust response to these challenges, Walton Desir said.

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