Highlighting confidence in the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) capability to detect threats and defend Guyana, Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan said that the army remains vigilant of “constant & unscrupulous” threats to the country’s territory.
“Amidst all the challenges, the constant and unscrupulous claim to our territory from an increasingly unstable neighbour continues to present a clear and present danger too close to home,” Brigadier Khan highlighted during the opening ceremony of the Annual GDF Officers’ Conference held at Camp Base Ayanganna.
Even so, Brigadier Khan noted that he is confident in the GDF’s operational posture to execute the defense mandate.
And he reiterated that the GDF is prepared to defend its people and resources.
“Commander-in-chief, I can assure you that we, the men and women of the Guyana Defence Force, have remained vigilant and will continue to do so and do not contemplate doing anything else,” the army chief said.
Guyana and Venezuela have an ongoing border controversy that is squarely before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Guyana and Venezuela also signed the Argyle Declaration, a joint pronouncement issued by both countries following a meeting of Presidents Ali and Nicolas Maduro in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Significantly, they agreed that Guyana and Venezuela, directly or indirectly, will not threaten or use force against one another in any circumstances, including those consequential to any existing controversies between the two States.
President Irfaan Ali has reiterated that the controversy will only be determined at the ICJ.
