Guyana must keep a ‘ready force’ even though it hopes to settle border controversy through diplomacy- Norton

Guyana has been seeking a legally binding solution to the border controversy with Venezuela and while Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton backs this effort, he believes Guyana must fortify its military capabilities.

The case is currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), with Guyana seeking a final, binding ruling reaffirming the 1899 Arbitral Award that settled the countries’ borders and solidifying the decades-long position that the Essequibo region does not belong to Venezuela.

Even so, Norton believes that Guyana must have a defence force that is ready to deal with any aggressions from the Spanish-speaking nation.

“… I don’t think we can take on Venezuela but it is very important that we keep a ready force that instills hope in our people.

“Let us not operate as if we can do nothing outside of diplomacy, we have to take every measure to deal with this issue,” Norton said on Monday during an extraordinary sitting of the National Assembly.

Norton called the Venezuelan government, and at times, the state itself, many things: a bully, an aggressor, and a dangerous and sinister enemy.

He believes Guyana is rightfully defending its territory in accordance with international law but said many times throughout his lengthy address that other measures must be taken to bolster Guyana’s defences.

“… we will have to take measures not only to defend our territorial integrity and sovereignty but also our place in the Latin American and Caribbean Region.

“Clearly, there is a need for a more robust and aggressive foreign policy, vis a vis Latin America and the Caribbean,” he said too.

Norton also pointed out that there have been instances where Venezuelan military personnel violated Guyana’s borders and entered upon Guyanese soil. Should the country’s planned December 3 referendum go ahead, he believes that Venezuela may become even more aggressive.

So Norton joined fellow lawmakers in denouncing that referendum and supporting Guyana’s move to resolve the controversy at the ICJ.