‘Totally reprehensible’ – Jagdeo condemns inhumane treatment of Venezuelans in Guyana 

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo condemned the inhumane treatment of Venezuelans in Guyana, stating clearly that Guyana will not be a country that promotes xenophobia.

Jagdeo’s statement was made at a press conference on Thursday, days after a video circulated on social media with Venezuelans being bullied while told to strip naked and altogether treated inhumanely.

And he said, “Over the past week, we’ve seen some reprehensible incidents targeting Venezuelans, totally reprehensible.

“I’ve seen one video that made my stomach turn.”

He added, “We are not going to be part of any movement to promote xenophobia in our country.”

Xenophobia refers to the dislike of or prejudice against people from other countries.

Further, Jagdeo noted that many of the migrants in Guyana are believed to be Guyanese, or descendants or Guyanese, who migrated to Venezuela many years ago because they were fleeing hardships in Guyana. Regardless, he said they should be treated with respect.

“As refugees, they are entitled to the protection of the state.

“They’re economic migrants, you have to treat people with dignity,” he emphasised.

Jagdeo also said people must be treated with empathy and dignity, just as it is expected that Guyanese will be treated in other countries. He also feared that such xenophobic actions may result in retaliation.

Already, Ahmad Ally, a 37-year-old man from Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara was arrested by Police ranks after the video surfaced on social media showing two Venezuelans being bullied, told to strip naked and treated inhumanely.

Meanwhile, Jagdeo commented on the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela, noting that Guyana is resolute in its position that the 1899 Arbitral Award firmly established the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela. And he said Guyana, with the support of regional and international partners, will continue to participate in the ongoing judicial process at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).