evidence: The Venezuelan president said he had ordered a law to be drafted recognising a new state – the Guayana-Esequiba – where the English-speaking residents would be given Venezuelan national ID cards. He also ordered national companies to begin mining and oil extraction operations in the resource-rich region, and for a special military unit to be created for the region, alarming observers and causing Brazil to send armoured vehicles to its border. [...] "I have immediately ordered for it to be published and taken to all schools, colleges, community councils, public establishments, universities and in all homes in the country, the new map of Venezuela with our Guayana-Esequiba. This is our dear map!" he said, presenting the illustration. [...] Though voter turnout was low and government figures have been widely questioned by observers, the Venezuelan government said 95% of voters agreed to ignore the court and recognise Essequibo as part of Venezuela.