Region One facing challenge in ensurin supplies for Venezuelan immigr
-Chairman
With Region One continuing to grapple with the steady influx of Venezuelan nationals, Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley yesterday warned that ensuring food, access to potable water and places to accommodate them are proving to be challenges for the administration.
Ashley yesterday told Stabroek News that 37 Venezuelans, of the Warrau nation, crossed the border on Sunday afternoon and arrived in Mabaruma, which is estimated to now have some 400 migrants.
“…When we counted, it was 37 that would have arrived yesterday and [they] are currently placed at Khan Hill again. This, however, is causing severe congestion because there is not enough room for that amount of persons,” the Chairman shared.
“We definitely have to find place to put these persons as early as during the course of this week because the place is already crowded with the last set of people who came and now to add the new numbers that would have come in yesterday there, it’s going to pose some difficulty,” he added.
He noted, too, that reports received indicated that an additional 30 persons recently arrived in Yarakita, while the number of migrants in Whitewater continues to grow.
“The number is growing at Whitewater. When we last checked, the number was 236 but I was informed by the Toshao today that the number of persons who came yesterday included pregnant women, one of [whom] reportedly gave birth there upon arrival,” Ashley added.
Asked how many persons have since arrived in Mabaruma over the past few weeks, the Chairman said he estimated the number to be at almost 500 persons, although he admitted that with steady arrivals, the number may not be accurate.
However, Stabroek News was told that not all migrants who enter Mabaruma actually stay in Guyana and that the estimate given by Ashley may be higher than that the number who are seeking refuge in the area.
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