Parliamentarian Amanza Walton-Desir Raises Concerns Over Government’s Migrant Integration Plans

In a recent press release, Honorable Amanza Walton-Desir, MP and Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, voiced significant concerns regarding the Guyanese government’s plans for the integration of Venezuelan migrants into Guyanese society. The statement came in response to remarks made by Minister Hugh Todd, as reported in a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, dated March 11, 2024.

“The long-term objective is to integrate them Venezuelan migrants into Guyanese society,” Minister Todd was quoted. This declaration has sparked a call for clarity and accountability from Walton-Desir. “It would be important for Mr. Todd to explain to the Guyanese people how this objective was formulated because it certainly was not in consultation with the people of Guyana or their duly elected representatives in the National Assembly,” Walton-Desir stated, highlighting the lack of public discourse and legislative oversight in the decision-making process.

Walton-Desir also pointed out that the government’s stance on integration does not align with international obligations. Citing a thematic paper from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), she noted, “there is currently no obligation of integration for migrants under international law.” This raises questions about the legal basis for the government’s integration objective and its implications for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Shadow Minister accused the Irfaan Ali Government of acting recklessly and neglecting its duties by pushing forward with such a significant policy without a clear immigration strategy and without consulting the populace. “To arrive at such a conclusion which has far-reaching implications for our sovereignty and territorial integrity, to do so without consulting Guyanese and without even the bare minimum of a clear, well thought out immigration policy in place, is sheer recklessness and gross dereliction of duty,” she argued.

Despite her criticisms, Walton-Desir reaffirmed the APNU+AFC’s commitment to respecting and protecting the human rights of all migrants within Guyana’s borders, emphasizing the coalition’s readiness to provide humanitarian relief and support. However, she warned of the “short-sightedness of the Ali regime” and described it as a “clear and present danger to Guyana’s future and to Guyanese,” calling for a change in governance to safeguard the nation’s interests.

Walton-Desir’s statement underscores a contentious debate within Guyanese society and its leadership regarding the approach to the Venezuelan migrant crisis and the broader implications for the country’s social fabric and legal responsibilities. The call for transparency, consultation, and a coherent policy framework is likely to resonate with many Guyanese as they navigate the complexities of regional migration and its impact on national identity and security.