Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan, says that Guyana will remain resolute in the face of increased aggression from Venezuela. His comments come amid Venezuela’s holding of illegal elections to justify its claims over Guyana’s Essequibo and the construction of a bridge to Ankoko Island.
Amid concerns over how the GDF intends to respond to these provocations and safeguard the nation’s sovereignty, Brigadier Khan stated that while Venezuela has increased its aggression against Guyana, the borders were settled by the 1899 Arbitral Award. He added that the GDF stands resolute where Guyana’s borders are concerned.
While Venezuela’s actions have stirred unease among some observers, Khan was quick to point out that the nature of the threat appears more political than military.
Venezuela’s claim, though aggressive in tone, is more “political theatre” than an imminent military threat, the Brigadier stated. Nonetheless, he said that the GDF is exercising caution. He said that the force is operating within the framework of the national defence policy, “Diplomacy, Information, Military, and Economic components” (DIME).
He emphasized that a key pillar of Guyana’s defense posture is rooted in international partnerships, an area in which the country has seen growing support. He noted that Guyana maintains strong ties with the United States of America, the United Kingdom, CARICOM, France, Colombia, and Brazil, all nations that value peace and respect for international law.
Though Venezuela boasts a far larger military force, Khan dismissed the notion that Guyana’s smaller size puts it at a disadvantage, noting that history has shown outcomes are not dictated by scale.
“History has shown that size does not translate into success. That is why we are focusing on strategy, on technology, and partnership. Military conflict is not in anyone’s interest,” he said.
He added that the claim by Venezuela is political and should remain in the domain of the International Court of Justice.
He also revealed that the country has significantly increased defense investments in recent years to support modernization efforts.
“Over the past five years, our investment in the defense sector has seen an increase of over 800 percent, and this was spread across several areas: technology, training, and asset acquisition in the maritime sector. For example, we are soon to receive an ocean patrol vessel, long with aerial assets to monitor our airspace on our Exclusive Economic Zone,” the Brigadier said.
Despite its size, Khan maintained that the GDF is prepared, deliberate, and unwavering in its mission.
“So yes. We may be smaller, but we are being strategic, we are being smart, and we are being resolute,” he said.
