‘I will be with the people’ – President Ali engages hundreds of residents during visit to border communities

And it was one of several communities in Regions One and Seven the President visited on Thursday with several other officials including the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan.

But why did the Commander in Cheif visit the border communities?

With the planned referendum, residents in Kaikan and every other community he visited, be it Mabaruma, Port Kaituma or Baramita, told him they are concerned about any further aggressions from Venezuela.

The President reassured them that they had nothing to fear. He told them of widespread support from the international community, including the United States (US), the United Kingdom and Brazil alongside support from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Commonwealth.

President Ali also told Kaikan residents that both the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are boosting capacity to monitor the shared border more effectively, assess intelligence received and respond to any potential threats even though Guyana does not expect any “reckless” actions from Venezuela.

And Dr. Ali highlighted that Guyana is before the World Court and has been following all the judicial processes it has to. So what he articulated was that Guyana has all of its bases covered, that is, on the diplomatic front, on national security and judicially.

His message wasn’t unnoticed or unappreciated.

“…Actions speak louder than words, he (the President) was here and he didn’t send the message with someone else.

“The message that he brought to us gave us courage and confidence… that we are not alone,” Kaikan resident Claude Anselmo said.

The community’s Toshao, Marlon Williams expressed similar sentiments.

“He (the President) indeed sent a strong message to the community, which we are very happy about. His assurance and confidence regarding the border controversy with Venezuela (helped make) community members get fully aware,” the Toshao said.

Importantly, the President told Kaikan residents that his visit to the border communities was a one-off trip. He said he intends on engaging these communities again and he will have his government ministers do the same.