By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News
As tensions continue in Venezuela, concerns are mounting locally over Guyana’s preparedness to respond to a potential influx of migrants. Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Aubrey Norton, has warned that the country must act decisively to avoid being caught unprepared.
Norton said Guyana needs a coordinated, structured national response to manage any potential migrant situation arising from instability in Venezuela. He argued that the absence of a comprehensive migration policy leaves the government without clear guidance on how to respond effectively.
According to the PNCR leader, the government should establish designated facilities away from densely populated communities to accommodate Venezuelan migrants if necessary. He said such locations would allow authorities to properly screen and monitor individuals, rather than permitting uncontrolled entry and integration into society without adequate oversight.
Norton also emphasized the importance of strengthening Guyana’s intelligence and monitoring capabilities. He called for sustained engagement among key stakeholders, including parliamentary and security bodies, to ensure the country remains ahead of developments related to Venezuela and protects its territorial integrity.
He further criticised the current administration’s approach to governance, arguing it is not sufficiently data-driven or long-term planning-oriented. Norton argued that policy decisions must prioritise the interests of Guyanese citizens and be informed by accurate data and risk assessment.
According to him, a robust migration policy would enable the state to better manage population movement, maintain control over information, track activities effectively, and ensure that breaches of the law are addressed through appropriate enforcement mechanisms.
Norton concluded that Guyana urgently needs an immigration and migration framework capable of balancing humanitarian considerations with national security, social stability, and economic capacity, particularly amid ongoing regional uncertainties.
