By Mark DaCosta-In a striking display of national pride and unity, the Alliance For Change (AFC), alongside the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has affirmed its commitment to protecting our homeland’s sovereignty amidst encroaching threats from Venezuela. The recent press conference highlighted a vital concern: the government, led by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), has failed to respond effectively to burgeoning tensions regarding our territorial integrity. While the AFC supports the government’s constitutional stance, it condemned the absence of a robust strategic plan in the recent motion presented to Parliament.
In the wake of Venezuela’s increasing provocations – including attempts to assert sovereignty over Essequibo and proposed elections in Guyana’s territory – the AFC outlined its growing frustration over the government’s inability to act decisively. The opposition coalition has highlighted that several recommendations made over the past three years have been largely ignored, sparking concern about the current administration’s commitment to a unified national response.
“It is a national issue that calls for the full weight of Guyanese unity, resolve, and collective statesmanship,” emphasised a representative from the AFC. This sentiment resonates deeply, as the AFC noted that the longstanding border issue is not merely a political matter but a test of the nation’s character and resilience in defending its sovereignty. The party asserted, “Let us be absolutely clear of the AFC’s position: Guyana has never, and will never, abandon the 1899 Award.”
The AFC’s representatives pointed out what they termed a stark contrast between the ongoing parliamentary engagement under the previous APNU+AFC administration and the current PPP-led government, which has met merely three times since taking office in 2020. “This is a clear example of the PPP’s lack of commitment towards including the opposition in creating a national approach to our border controversy,” they argued. The previous coalition administration had established a model of dialogue and cooperation, holding 22 meetings of the parliamentary committee on foreign relations. The AFC contended that the PPP’s present approach undermines the need for unified action in the face of external threats.
The opposition coalition firmly stated that national unity cannot be invoked solely when it is politically advantageous for the governing party. “When sovereignty is threatened, there is no PPP, APNU, or AFC. There is only Guyana,” they asserted. This perspective reinforces the urgency of establishing a collaborative framework for safeguarding our homeland’s integrity and addressing Venezuela’s aggressive posturing.
To this end, the AFC has proposed a series of concrete recommendations aimed at fostering bipartisan cooperation and proactive measures for safeguarding national interests. Firstly, they suggest the establishment of a Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Territorial Integrity, which would comprise representatives from major political parties, civil society, and diplomatic entities. The committee would meet regularly to facilitate informed discussions on strategies concerning national sovereignty.
Secondly, the AFC has called for greater transparency and information sharing regarding developments in the Venezuela dispute. This includes regular, classified briefings to the opposition on military, diplomatic, legal, and political matters, reinforcing the principle that national security should transcend partisan divides.
The third recommendation emphasises the need for civic education and national mobilisation. The AFC advocates for a nationwide campaign, spearheaded by the Ministries of Education and Culture, aimed at informing citizens of all ages about the legal foundations of our borders, the nature of the dispute, and the importance of collective vigilance. “We must build a national culture of vigilance, pride, and responsibility,” they argued.
Moreover, the coalition proposes that Guyanese diplomats abroad project a united front, advocating for a joint parliamentary mission that includes both governmental and opposition representatives, visiting key global capitals. This initiative would serve to demonstrate to the international community that our nation stands united in its quest for peaceful resolution and respect for sovereignty.
Lastly, the AFC has urged for strategic military preparedness in light of Venezuela’s aggressive tendencies. While maintaining a commitment to diplomacy, they stress that our nation must not appear vulnerable. They advocate for the modernisation of our defence forces, calling for civilian oversight in crucial decisions regarding military cooperation and preparedness.
Ultimately, the AFC warns that “History has taught us that when a nation is divided within, it becomes vulnerable without.” The party’s expressions of national concern resonate strongly amid the increasingly aggressive tactics of Venezuela. The AFC believes this critical juncture should be embraced as an opportunity to craft a new national compact, where security and territorial integrity are guided by collective input rather than dictated by any single governing party.
As our nation stands at a crossroads, the call for unity, active engagement, and a comprehensive strategy has never been more urgent. The AFC, alongside its partners in the opposition, is obviously poised to advocate vigorously for these principles, ensuring that the sovereignty of our homeland is protected and upheld. In the battle for our territorial integrity, the time for decisive action is now, the opposition said.
