LJP disagrees with the AFC’s statement on the border

Dear Editor,

The Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) strongly condemns the Alliance For Change’s (AFC) recent reckless and treacherous attempt to publicly criticise and undermine the government at a time when national unity is paramount. At a moment when the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our beloved nation are under persistent threat from the Maduro regime, the AFC’s divisive rhetoric stands as an affront to the longstanding Guyanese ethos of common ground, national resolve, and collective defence against external threats.

For generations, Guyanese across all political lines have understood that sovereignty is not a partisan issue. It is the foundation of our national identity and the very essence of our motto: “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.” This is a time for unity, not for reckless politicking. The AFC’s irresponsible outburst flies in the face of this sacrosanct national ethos, disregarding the fragile peace that our government, security forces, and diplomatic corps are navigating with prudence and strategy.

This latest outburst is not an isolated incident—it follows a pattern of divisiveness and sabotage that the AFC and its leadership have embraced for years.

These include: Calls for Geographic Division – The AFC has repeatedly attempted to politicize regional divisions, stoking sentiments that pit one region against another rather than promoting national unity; Ethnic Fragmentation – The party’s rhetoric frequently seeks to exploit ethnic differences, undermining the government’s ‘One Guyana’ vision, which aims to bring all communities together in peace and prosperity; Sowing Distrust in Institutions – By questioning the integrity of Guyana’s security forces, intelligence operations, and diplomatic channels, the AFC is actively weakening our national response to external threats.

This toxic political strategy of inflaming divisions has no place in a nation that must stand united in the face of serious and sustained challenges from Venezuela.

History has shown us that when nations face existential threats to their territorial integrity, political forces coalesce behind the government of the day to defend the national interest. History is rife with examples.

Guyana, a nation that has historically fought to secure its rightful borders through diplomacy and legal avenues, must uphold the same principle. We cannot afford to send a message of disunity, weakness, or internal discord, which could embolden external aggressors.

Recognising that political parties have a right to promulgate their political views and will sometimes have different views on domestic issues, the Liberty and Justice Party urges the AFC to abandon its destructive politics of division and instead adopt a Guyana-first framework that: Recognizes sovereignty as absolutely “NON-NEGOTIABLE” regardless of who the government of the day is – Our borders, security, and national integrity must always take precedence over political gamesmanship; Commits to national unity – All political forces must work together to protect Guyana from external threats rather than creating fractures that our enemies can exploit; Supports responsible governance – Engaging constructively rather than resorting to reckless attacks that undermine the Government’s diplomatic and national security efforts.

Further, at this critical juncture, the LJP calls for universality in our political and social restraint:

1. Political restraint from all opposition parties, particularly those who, for short-term political gains, would irresponsibly fan the flames of division on an issue that transcends party politics.
2. Social restraint from all sections of society, as misinformation, hysteria, and political opportunism could inadvertently destabilise the national front.
3. A unified national front rallying behind the government’s efforts to secure Guyana’s sovereignty through an internationally recognized legal process at the ICJ, ensuring that diplomacy, deterrence, and legal frameworks remain our pillars in safeguarding our borders.

If we allow political fragmentation to replace unity in the face of imminent danger, we risk weakening our diplomatic position at the international level, where unity strengthens our credibility; compromising national security by sending mixed signals to our defence forces and international allies; and emboldening external threats, as adversaries will exploit any signs of internal division.

Let us remember the words of the Song of the Republic, “From Pakaraima’s peaks of pow’r to Courentyne’s lush sands, her children pledge each faithful hour to guard Guyana’s lands”. This is a resolve and pledge by ALL of her children, not some, and certainly not conveniently.

We, the Liberty and Justice Party, stand firm in our unwavering support for the government’s relentless and unwavering efforts in defending Guyana’s sovereignty. Regardless of political affiliation, we call on every citizen to reject divisive rhetoric and rally behind our nation’s leaders in this defining moment.

Yours truly,
Lenox R. O. Shuman, Mr.
Chairman – Liberty and Justice Party