AFC’s Laura George Urges Government to Protect Border Communities Amid Venezuela Aggression
By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News
As tensions with Venezuela escalate and the country pushes forward with its planned regional elections to annex Guyana’s Essequibo, Alliance For Change (AFC) executive and Indigenous rights activist Laura George is urging the Guyana Government to urgently devise contingency plans for border communities like Arau, Kaikan, and Eteringbang.
“Guyana must address how we deal with our citizens who live on the Venezuelan shore—many of whom may be pressured or threatened by the Venezuelan army to vote in their elections,” George told HGP Nightly News.
George recounted a recent incident in Arau where residents reported that three boats loaded with approximately 40 Venezuelan soldiers each passed through their area—later explained as part of a “routine change of guard.” Still, the fear and anxiety in the communities remain high, particularly as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has already granted Guyana’s request for an injunction against Venezuela’s planned May 25th elections in the region.
“Residents couldn’t sleep,” George said. “They were terrified by the movement of so many armed men.”
George has recommended a national security briefing with residents in border communities to openly discuss protection plans, citing the lack of adequate support during past military-related incidents.
“We’ve already seen how poorly prepared we were when our own army personnel were attacked. What about the people in these villages?”
As the National Toshaos Council Conference approaches, George expressed disappointment with how the forum functions in recent years, criticizing the government for cherry-picking which issues are addressed.
“The NTC process has been reduced to symbolic participation. It has not influenced real policy, legislation, or development programs,” she stated.
She also emphasized that the NTC 2025 must demand concrete answers from the government on how it plans to defend Indigenous communities amid rising conflict.
Key Points:
- Border villages like Arau and Kaikan are on edge due to Venezuelan military movements.
- AFC’s Laura George calls for contingency planning and transparent communication from the government.
- Residents fear coercion during Venezuela’s controversial elections in the Essequibo region.
- George criticizes the NTC Conference for being ineffective in influencing state policy.
- She urges the state to prioritize Indigenous protection amid the ongoing territorial threat.
Stay tuned to HGP Nightly News as we continue our coverage of the evolving Guyana-Venezuela border tensions.
