‘Patently false’ that Guyana tolerating abuse of Venezuelans – Jagdeo

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has made it clear that there is no tolerance for the abuse of Venezuelans or any migrants in Guyana and rejected statements made at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez.

Jagdeo, who spoke at a People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) press conference on Thursday, said Ms. Rodriguez was trying to “score political points” by telling the World Court on Wednesday that Guyana was violating international norms by promoting xenophobia.

“Venezuela should not be misrepresenting this issue, particularly before the Court. It is a lie,” Jagdeo said.

According to him, the government has consistently said migrants, be it Venezuelans or others, should be treated with dignity in Guyana. So he believes his Venezuelan counterpart was simply misleading the World Court.

“For her to go and tell the court this… is patently false,” the Vice President said.

The News Room reported on November 2, 2023, that 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 another press conference, held days after a video circulated on social media with Venezuelans being bullied while told to strip naked and altogether treated inhumanely. That man was slapped with several charges in relation to the issue on Thursday.

Even as he condemned the false information from the Venezuelan Vice President, Jagdeo also said anyone found breaking laws would face consequences.

Guyana and Venezuela were at the World Court this week. Guyana Tuesday argued before the Court that Venezuela’s December 3, 2023 referendum is intended to be used as a trigger for that country to seize Guyana’s territory by military force.