The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is ready to defend Guyana against “constant and unscrupulous” threats, Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan stated yesterday at the opening session of the GDF’s annual officers’ conference.
“Amidst all the challenges, the constant and unscrupulous claims to our territory from an increasingly unstable neighbour present a clear and present danger too close to home,” Brigadier Khan said. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence in the GDF’s operational posture to execute its defence mandate effectively.
“I can assure you, Commander-in-Chief, that the men and women of the Guyana Defence Force have remained vigilant and will continue to do so. We have no intention of acting otherwise,” he asserted.
Venezuela’s spurious claim to Essequibo is currently under review by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), while Guyana and Venezuela have signed the Argyle Declaration, a joint statement that affirms neither country will threaten or use force against the other.
For his part, President Irfaan Ali spoke on internal matters, referring to the 2020 elections, where attempts were made to undermine the electoral process. “Our democracy depends on free, fair, and peaceful elections,” President Ali stated, reinforcing the GDF’s duty to uphold the nation’s security and the rule of law rather than succumbing to political interests.
“Every member of the force has a right to vote according to their conscience. As long as I am Commander-in-Chief, their rights will be respected, and the professionalism of our military will always be upheld,” he added.
“While we do not anticipate unrest or anything that is contrary to the rule of law, we must remain vigilant against any attempt to unsettle internal order.
“The Defence Force will be on standby, prepared to act if necessary to uphold stability and protect the democratic process.”
Additionally, President Ali addressed issues concerning migrants, insisting that all must comply with the law. He challenged the force to bolster its defence strategy in light of evolving threats and revealed plans for an upcoming biodiversity summit scheduled for later this year.
