Venezuelan migrants intercepted entering Guyana are processed, documented- Chief of Defence Staff

Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan has said “strong” security measures have been implemented to ensure that migrants from Venezuela who are intercepted entering Guyana are screened and documented.

“This is disheartening but while Guyana is approaching this with compassion, we are committed to safe borders, in the protection of our borders.

“So we have implemented strong security measures on vetting, processing, documenting, all Venezuelan migrants,” Brigadier Khan said.

He made this disclosure while addressing the issue during the first episode of a new programme “Safeguarding the Nation” which was broadcast on Facebook on Tuesday.

In recent years, thousands of migrants from Venezuela have come to Guyana in search of better lives.

The Venezuelans, Brigadier Khan said are fleeing because of the political and socio-economic conditions in Venezuela.

“In the execution of my duties and my visits to the border communities, I have personally witnessed Venezuelan migrants and the embarrassment, shame, the almost loss of dignity of families, women, children, babies, fathers, seeking refuge in a foreign land,” Brigadier Khan said.

The processing of the migrants is done through a multi-agency approach which is supported by the Guyana Defence Force.

“This humanitarian gesture is not uncommon for the GDF.

“The GDF has been involved as part of its role to conduct humanitarian and disaster relief operations,” Brigadier Khan said.

In fact, he said the army has participated in over 200 such projects providing humanitarian support to local and even regional partners.