As tensions between Guyana and Venezuela are at an all time high, and Venezuelan military presence ramps up at the Guyana/Venezuela border, residents living in border towns are experiencing increased anxiety and fear.
According to reports received by this publication, some residents of Region 1, who have the ways and means to do so, have opted to leave their homes and travel to Georgetown and other places where they feel safer.
Residents of border towns say that Venezuelan gunmen, some of whom are members of armed gangs, have been becoming bolder recently, and residents fear for their lives and safety.
Residents of Eteringbang, Region 7, say they now need military escort to cross waters that belong to Guyana since there is ramped up presence of Venezuelan soldiers and gang members have become threatening.
Some residents living in the Poomeroon region reported to this publication that they can see Venezuelan soldiers along the border on the Venezuelan side.
Nicolas Maduro says he will use the Venezuelan military to “defend the Essequibo” after the December 3 referendum. Venezuela has publicly announced that it is building a new airstrip near to the border which it says it intends to use “in defense of the Essequibo.“
Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali has tried to reassure the population of Guyana that he has everything under control, that they need to remain calm, and that there is nothing to worry about.
