Prepare to screen, accommodate influx of migrants as a fallout from US airstrikes on Venezuela, APNU tells gov’t

Last Updated on Saturday, 3 January 2026, 14:02 by Writer

– APNU ready to support financing for migrants, assist with community support

The opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Saturday “urgently” advised the Guyana government to put steps in place to deal with any security and humanitarian repercussions from the United States’ (US) predawn military strikes on Venezuela.

Among a four-pronged plan, APNU says, is designating and preparing reception zones at a safe distance from the immediate border, with pre-positioned supplies of water, food, medicine, and shelter materials. “This must include a vetting mechanism to minimize or avoid the infiltration and subversion of our national interest.”

While maintaining a posture of humanitarian assistance, APNU says the government must clearly define and reinforce security and registration protocols to manage any influx in an orderly, screened, and documented manner that safeguards national security.

“The APNU, in light of the recent military strikes by the United States on Venezuela, urgently advises the Government of Guyana to immediately activate contingency plans for what this portends, especially the potential humanitarian and security crisis along our western border,” APNU said in a statement.

President Irfaan Ali, in a brief comment to Demerara Waves Online News, would say he had not seen APNU’s statement but would only reiterate that “we have our borders monitored like all other countries”.

He cautioned that in such a situation it is seeing Guyana “managing the situation along our borders.”

Dr Ali said that Prime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips was in Region One (Barima-Waini) engaging Guyana Defence Force troops and ranks of the Guyana Police Force operating in border communities, “in light of recent developments in Venezuela.”

Saying that Guyana finds itself in a precarious position and needs to think and act strategically, APNU recommended a four-pronged action plan.

They include formalising a joint humanitarian task force including the Civil Defence Commission, Guyana Defence Force, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Human Services and other relevant agencies and stakeholders to coordinate a national response.

“We urge swift, transparent, and decisive action. APNU sees such actions as necessary in promoting responsible sovereignty and humanitarian foresight,” that 12-seat opposition party said in a statement. 

APNU also said Guyana should alert the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees, and the International Red Cross to the potential need for logistical and financial support, and so ensure that Guyana is not left to bear a disproportionate burden as a result of the influx of Venezuelans.

“While our position on the territorial controversy remains fixed on the International Court of Justice (ICJ), process and international law, the unfolding situation demands a pragmatic, and comprehensive national response to a probable immediate movement of displaced persons seeking refuge,” APNU added.

APNU offered its cooperation in developing legislative measures, mobilising community-based support networks, and providing bipartisan political backing to approve budgetary allocations to protect both vulnerable people and our nation’s stability.

“The APNU wishes to state unequivocally that this is a moment when there must be inclusive decision making with the involvement of all stakeholders in pursuance of national unity in the face of a potential emergency.

There is need for an approach that transcends partisan politics. We stand ready to lend our full support to the promotion and protection of national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” APNU said.

Prior to Saturday’s airstrikes, accompanied by the capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, there were at least 40,000 Venezuelans living and working in Guyana legally.

Unofficial estimates say there are more than 100,000 Venezuelans and Venezuelans of Guyanese ancestry here who have fled the deepening political and economic crisis over the past 15 years in that western neighbour.