Defence: President says Guyana prepared to take ‘decisive action’ though focused on diplomacy

A 115 Defiant monohull patrol vessel has been added to the Guyana Defence Force’s Coast Guard fleet and President Dr. Irfaan Ali emphasised that the acquisition of this vessel is part of the country’s focus on bolstering its defence capabilities.

The vessel, built by American company Metal Shark Boats, has been named the GDFS Shahoud in honour of Colonel Michael Shahoud, one of the five officers who died in a helicopter crash last December.

And the new vessel is equipped with many modern systems.

President Ali highlighted that the new vessel will be instrumental in protecting Guyana’s territorial waters, particularly the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). It should also boost maritime surveillance efforts, protect trade interests and generally, enhance national security.

The President, who is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Guyana, posited that the acquisition of this vessel was necessary to strengthen the country’s defences against any threats even as Guyana remains committed to diplomacy.

“We recognise that diplomatic endeavours must be complemented by robust and responsive defence capabilities.

“While we maintain strong diplomatic ties and see peaceful resolutions to conflicts, we must also be prepared to take decisive action to protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity and be prepared in conjunction with our partners and their capabilities,” the Guyanese Head of State said.

According to the President, Guyana has regional and international partners but the country remains cognisant that its defence is its responsibility. And he affirmed that the country is aware of all the threats confronting it, though he did not mention any of those threats.