Guyana needs robust education campaign to promote patriotism, counter Venezuelan messages- Walton- Desir

As Guyana awaits a final, binding decision from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in relation to Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo region, Opposition Parliamentarian Amanza Walton- Desir says a national education campaign is needed.

For her, such a campaign would help to promote patriotism in Guyana while pushing back any propaganda in Venezuela.

“We must establish a robust, continuous education programme which will engender patriotism… The urgency of the situation demands that no effort must be spared to light the fire of patriotism in every man, woman and child,” Walton- Desir posited on Monday.

Further, she said Venezuelans have grown up under the wrongful assumption that the Essequibo region belongs to them and not Guyana. Wary of more aggressive actions now, including the possibility of annexing Guyana’s Essequibo region, Walton- Desir said Guyanese must be better educated on the longstanding controversy and all the efforts that have gone into getting a peaceful resolution.

During a recent meeting between President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, it was agreed that a national education campaign is necessary.

Walton- Desir spoke at an Extraordinary sitting of the National Assembly on Monday. She began her contribution to the House by singing Guyana’s Song of the Republic.

Like her colleagues who spoke before her, the Parliamentarian also denounced Venezuela’s planned December 3, 2023 referendum wherein the Nicolas Maduro government will seek the support of citizens in continuation of its claim of Guyana’s Essequibo region. Guyana views the move as an affront to the ongoing juridical process currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

And Walton- Desir said she and her colleagues in the Opposition fully support the government’s rejection of Venezuela’s aggressions and said Guyana must remain committed to international law.

For her, national unity is also a must.

“The time for petty, partisan politics must be over.

“This moment demands that we rise above this,” she said.

Lawmakers gathered for this extraordinary sitting of the National Assembly to denounce Venezuela actions and clearly demonstrate the political unity on the border controversy. They were joined by members of the diplomatic corps, President’s College students and other stakeholders.

Guyana has since approached the ICJ, seeking an injunction to prevent Venezuela from taking action through its provocative referendum over Guyana’s territory – Essequibo.

The borders of Guyana and Venezuela were determined by an arbitral tribunal on October 3, 1899, and Venezuela inherited 13,000 square kilometres of Guyana’s territory (then under British rule).