| Venezuela’s military aggression close to Guyana’s border has incensed Guyanese. Some have opted to take the ‘Not a blade of grass’ message to the Venezuelan Embassy at, Thomas Street, Georgetown.From about 8:00hrs yesterday social activist Dennis Atwell began a one-man picketing exercise outside of the Venezuelan Embassy. As the day progressed passersby, including the aged, as well as uniformed school children joined in, albeit brief for some.Other Guyanese in vehicles drove by honking their horns in support of the action and shouting “not a blade of grass!” However, this is just one day of more than two months of protest action around Guyana by this one man who vows to continue daily until the issue is resolved.Atwell said that he has been following the Guyana/Venezuela issue all along but the news of the recent incursion in the Cuyuni and other parts of Guyana’s territory motivated him to take the protest to Embassy. This is serious business and we cannot play the fools or we will suffer as a Guyanese people,” he said.Nicholas Fredericks, head of the Shulinab village, south central Rupununi and a member of the National Toshaos Council was among those showing solidarity for the action outside of the Venezuelan Embassy.“I don’t think that aggression is the best way to resolve our land dispute. There must be a more diplomatic way to deal with this because our land has been demarcated since 1899 and Venezuela has no right over our nation,” he said. He then took his turn holding up the ‘Not a Blade of grass’ sign.Fredericks said that he hopes that the International community will support Guyana in the recognition of its rightful territory.“The indigenous communities are the custodians of our pristine forests and we at the National Toshaos Council have already pledged our support to the government of Guyana in recognizing that the lands belong to us as Guyanese.”Noting the diplomatic efforts, Atwell said his move is more patriotic than political. “I’m now a teacher because while Venezuela is publishing all kinds of maps and publications with sections of Guyana as theirs, Government here needs to do more to inform Guyana about our territorial rights.”He said that he is taking motivation from his late father, Patrick aka ‘Battle Dog’ a former soldier who ensured Guyana’s territorial integrity was maintained in his heydays. “My father fought for Guyana to be Guyana and today like Dave Martins, I am singing not a blade of grass.”He said that his actions which are supported by Canada-based Guyanese Don Gomes (MS) are aimed at “sending a clear message to the Venezuelan President that he needs to respect our territorial integrity.”The very emotional Atwell declared “(Maduro) might have guns but we have friends who will stand with us. You are no longer invited to set foot on Guyana soil. You could never be a Chavez or a Simon Bolivar with that attitude of aggression.”He called on all Guyanese and the international community to come out and support Guyana against the brazen actions of the Maduro lead military.“Do not see the threats as something lightly. Essequibo is our breadbasket. Without it Guyana is not going to be Guyana.Among those voicing concern while holding his picket sign was activist, Sherod Duncan, who boldly declared that the recent Venezuelan intrusion and aggression have to be resisted by all Guyanese and the international community.”He said,Authentic NBA Store, “There is an international regime in instruments like the ‘UN Charter and Montevideo Convention’ and many others concerning the settling of territorial disputes, controversies etc; notwithstanding there are also ample avenues internationally for the resolution of same.“It is in the interest of the Venezuelan authorities to use these time tested avenues, denouncing fear mongering, opportunism, and provocation.”“Our Guyanese countrymen must remain unified; they must resolve to be unshaken by Venezuela’s latest action.” He reiterated encouragement for “all; opposition included, to work with our government towards the security, happiness and prosperity of our great country, Guyana.”Elaine Evans and her friend Dolly, 74, also joined in the protest. Evans said, “This is our country and Venezuela ain’t got any right to be claiming it. Is God who has given us this land and suddenly them playing long hearted because we find oil?”The septuagenarian said, “While I am not strong enough to be on the frontline I am on my knees and I am encouraging Guyanese to get in the mode of prayers against that bully and God will see us through.” (By Mondale Smith) |
