Walton-Desir challenges Todd on planned `integration’ of Venezuelan migrants
Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amanza Walton-Desir has challenged Foreign Minister Hugh Todd over the stated intention to “integrate” Venezuelan migrants in Guyana, describing this as “sheer recklessness and gross dereliction of duty.”
In a press release yesterday from the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, the Shadow Minister referenced a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, dated March 11, 2024, on the Meeting of the Multi-Agency Coordination Committee to address the influx of migrants from Venezuela into Guyana.
She noted that in the Foreign Affairs release, Todd was reported as noting that “the long-term objective is to integrate them [Venezuelan migrants] into Guyanese society.” This statement did not sit well with the Opposition MP and as such, she called on Todd to explain exactly how such an initiative was formulated because to the best of her knowledge, “it certainly was not in consultation with the people of Guyana or their duly elected representatives in the National Assembly.”
The release pointed out that such a policy is not in keeping with any international obligation, since according to the International Organisation for Migration, “there is currently no obligation of integration for migrants under international law” (Global Compact Thematic Paper | Responsibilities and obligations of migrants pg. 3).
Therefore, Walton-Desir’s release said, to arrive at such a conclusion which has “far-reaching implications for our sovereignty and territorial integrity” and to do so without consulting Guyanese, and without even the bare minimum of a clear, well thought out immigration policy in place, “is sheer recklessness and gross dereliction of duty by the Irfaan Ali government.”
Walton-Desir reminded of the APNU+AFC’s position to respect and protect the human rights of any migrant in
Guyana, and to provide humanitarian relief and support, until they can safely return to their home country. As such, the Opposition views the afore-mentioned policy with alarm. “The short-sightedness of the Ali regime is a clear and present danger to Guyana’s future and to Guyanese. We must vote them out of office” the release added.
Todd on March 8, 2024, chaired a meeting of the Multi-Agency Coordinating Committee to address the influx of Migrants from Venezuela.
The first Committee meeting for the year was attended by the relevant government stakeholders and international partners.
The release from the Foreign Ministry said that Todd in his opening remarks reminded the Committee that the policy of the Government remains intact as it relates to support for the migrants from Venezuela. He noted that the long-term objective is to integrate them into Guyanese society but in the meantime, the
respective agencies are tasked with combining resources to provide services in key areas such as Healthcare, Education, Labour, Sanitation, Shelter, Food and Clothing for the most vulnerable.