Dear Editor,
The recent ambush on Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldiers in the Cuyuni River region is a stark reminder of the escalating security threats along our borders. According to reports, the soldiers were on a routine resupply mission when they came under unprovoked attack by heavily armed members of the Venezuelan Sindicatos gang. Given the circumstances, the soldiers rightly exercised their right to self-defense, as allowed under military engagement protocols. However, this incident raises pressing concerns about whether our current border security measures and engagement rules are sufficient to counter such threats effectively.
The Sindicatos are not ordinary criminals; they are part of well-organized transnational syndicates involved in illegal mining, extortion, smuggling, and violent territorial control. Their increasing presence in border areas poses a direct risk to our national sovereignty. While the GDF has since reinforced its presence along the Cuyuni River, a more comprehensive and proactive security strategy is needed.
First and foremost, there must be a clear and decisive protocol for engaging armed threats at the border. Our soldiers must have the flexibility and authority to neutralize hostilities swiftly, rather than merely responding defensively. The rules of engagement should be tailored to reflect the reality of facing well-armed criminal factions, not just conventional military forces. Additionally, intelligence gathering and surveillance capabilities must be significantly enhanced, with the use of drones, satellite monitoring, and community-based reporting to detect and deter threats before they escalate into direct confrontations.
Furthermore, diplomatic efforts with Venezuela must be intensified to address the presence of these armed groups. If Venezuela cannot—or will not—contain criminal organizations operating from its territory, Guyana must seek regional and international support to pressure for action. At the same time, local communities along the border should be integrated into our security framework, as they are often the first to witness illegal incursions and can serve as vital sources of intelligence.
The Cuyuni River attack is not an isolated incident; it is part of a broader pattern of cross-border criminal aggression. Our national security policies and military protocols must evolve to match the scale of the threat. A failure to act decisively now could embolden these groups further, endangering both our security forces and the citizens they protect.
Sincerely,
Keith Bernard
