No place for criminality – Pres Ali

…says Guyana stands for democracy, rule of law

President Dr Irfaan Ali has assured residents of Paramakatoi, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) that amid ongoing tensions between Venezuela and the United States (US), Guyana remains firmly aligned with those who uphold justice, democracy, freedom, the rule of law and the fight against criminality in all its forms.

The President made the remarks on Monday during the commissioning of the $800 million Paramakatoi airstrip.

“My dear friends, we will stand with the people of Venezuela. We stand with the people who embrace justice, democracy, freedom, the rule of law and the will to fight criminality and crush it in all its forms,” President Ali stated.

Acknowledging concerns among residents, the Guyanese Leader said he understands the unease surrounding development along Guyana’s western frontier, noting that the situation in Venezuela remains fluid and continues to evolve.

“I know that some of you are concerned about development along our western frontier, and those concerns are entirely understandable. Events in Venezuela are still unfolding,” he said. President Ali explained that it is precisely this uncertainty that makes certain demands on his government premature, while reaffirming the administration’s commitment to democratic principles and lawful governance.

“We have made it very clear that this is a government that supports democracy, the rule of law and every effort to crush criminal networks,” the President asserted.

He further warned against criminal elements involved in gold and drug smuggling, stressing that such activities have no place in Guyana or the wider region. “Criminality destroys families and communities. There is no place for gold smuggling and drug smuggling in our society and our world,” President Ali said, cautioning that those engaged in illicit activities often attempt to present themselves as champions of truth or community leaders.

“They find innovative ways of promoting themselves among people as messiahs. That is why you must be careful. That is why you must be watchful,” he added. On Sunday, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces in Guyana, President Dr Irfaan Ali, assured Guyanese that the country’s security mechanisms are fully mobilised and monitoring developments in neighbouring Venezuela, where the US military on Saturday captured leader Nicolás Maduro.

As news unfolded about the US operation, President Ali met with the Defence Board, the National Security architecture, regional commanders, and other senior security officials early Saturday morning at State House in Georgetown to discuss the ongoing situation in Venezuela.

During the high-level meeting, the Commander-in-Chief was joined by Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond and former Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, who is serving as an advisor to the Ministry.