KINGSTON, Jamaica — People’s National Party (PNP) spokesperson on foreign affairs Lisa Hanna says the recognition of Venezuela’s Opposition Leader Juan Guaido as interim president sets a dangerous precedent and is urging the Jamaican Government and the Caribbean Community to offer assistance.

Guaido, 35, yesterday proclaimed himself “acting president” in a defiant speech before masses of anti-government demonstrators who took to the streets to demand President Nicolas Maduro’s resignation.

He was swiftly recognised by the United States and about a dozen regional governments, including those of Brazil, Argentina and Colombia.

However, the Opposition PNP believes the move constitutes a grave departure from international practice.

“The People’s National Party maintains its strong and principled stance of non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign States and that the solution to this situation in Venezuela must ultimately rest with the Venezuelan people,” Hanna said in a statement this afternoon.

She said the party is also concerned that recent developments could lead to military conflict which will be destabilising to the Caribbean region which has enjoyed a tradition of peaceful coexistence.

Hanna reiterated her party’s position that “as their brothers and sisters, we are obliged to assist to find a solution within a peaceful framework”.

“We are mindful of the plight of the Venezuelan people at this time and note that a neighbouring CARICOM country is offering humanitarian assistance to persons who’ve crossed its border.

“We strongly urge the Government of Jamaica and CARICOM to urgently mobilise support for a coalition to offer assistance to the Government and Opposition in Venezuela, to broker a peaceful resolution for the sanctity of sovereignty, the conflict of governance, and the protection of human rights” Hanna said.

Venezuela’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino has accused Guaido of launching a “coup d’etat” by proclaiming himself acting president and said Maduro, 56, is “the legitimate president”.

Eight generals who command of strategic regions of the country reiterated their “absolute loyalty and subordination” to the socialist leader in messages carried on state television.

Some ended their statements by adding: “Always loyal, never traitors”.

In Washington, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned the Maduro government against the use of force against demonstrators in a speech to the Organization of American States.