The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) as a concerned neighbour has been keeping a close eye regarding the unfolding developments in Venezuela.
The Federation is deeply saddened by the ongoing violent protests which are aimed, undoubtedly, at destablising the legitimately elected Government of President Nicholas Maduro. We hold that President Maduro’s election is an expression of the popular will of the Venezuelan people and in keeping with the Constitution of that country. We also recall that the election declared by reputable observers from various countries as free and fair. Notwithstanding such an endorsement, we have seen in recent times certain forces, internal and external, trying to destablise the democratically-elected government with the obvious intention of bring about ‘regime change’. Various means are being used to attain these ends. Among these means, in addition to the instigation and whipping up of violence, we are aware of economic sanctions which have severely impacted the Venezuelan working-people and also the threats of military intervention.
These are inexcusable acts and are in violation of international law and the country’s sovereignty and certainly, not in keeping with accepted norms of State-to-State relations.
Interestingly, we note in spite of open calls for the armed forces to oppose the elected government, the people of Venezuela and its military forces are standing with the Maduro Administration. We remain confident that the Venezuelan people will stoutly defend their sovereignty and with their vigilance and militancy will once again frustrate and defeat those who nurture and stoke instability in this troubled neighbouring country.
We of FITUG condemn the latest acts of bold-faced interferences of Venezuela and together with the democratic forces and peace-loving people of our region and, indeed, worldwide stand in solidarity with the people of Venezuela in these anxiety-filled times and in their current trials. We remain hopeful that the schemes to destroy democracy will not succeed. We remain hopeful too that the aggravation of the obtaining situation will be averted, that all concerned strive for peaceful and just solutions to the problems while retaining a commitment to a democratic future.
