Migrant support centre to be established in Region 2

The National Multi-Sectoral Coordinating Committee on Monday convened its first meeting for 2019 during which it was announced that a two-storey building has been identified by the Regional Administration in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) which will serve as a support centre for Venezuelan migrants in that area.
According to the Public Information Press Services Unit of the Presidency Ministry, once set up, migrants will have access to a wide range of support services, inclusive of documentation and immunisation assistance at one convenient location. Some minor rehabilitation works are slated to be carried out on the building with funding from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
Meanwhile, Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix informed that his Department and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will be conducting a joint operation at Eteringbang and surrounding communities in the Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) to address a number of issues that have been brought to his attention, including the immunisation and documentation of migrants.
The Minister has since tasked the GPF with the responsibility of ensuring that all boats ferrying passengers to Region Two from Venezuela report to immigration authorities, who will be located at a central point along the Pomeroon River so that the migrants can be properly screened and processed before they disembark at various landings.
The number of documented Venezuelan migrants in Guyana stands at about 3,868.
Following calls by Region One Chairman Brentnol Ashley for Government and donor agencies to provide more assistance to Venezuelan refugees, the Administration signaled its intention to construct several facilities to respond to the Venezuelan influx.
A number of local businesses and Guyanese have provided food and clothing to the refugees.
Venezuelan refugees have been fleeing the economic and political turmoil in the Spanish-speaking country.