GDF stands ready to defend Guyana – President Ali

With Venezuela set to hold elections on Sunday over Guyana’s Essequibo region — a move widely condemned as a violation of international law — President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has sent a firm message from the ground: the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is prepared to defend every inch of Guyana’s territory against any hostile act.

Speaking during a breakfast engagement with GDF ranks stationed in Essequibo on Saturday morning, President Ali praised the men and women in uniform and expressed full confidence in their ability and readiness to protect the nation’s sovereignty.

“I want to assure you that behind you on the front line is the blood of every Guyanese in its readiness to support any and every effort necessary… against those that seek to destabilise the peace in our region,” President Ali declared.

His comments come amid heightened tensions with Venezuela, which has announced plans to stage elections over the Essequibo — a region Guyana has administered for over 100 years. Guyana has rejected the move as illegal and provocative, noting that it defies the December 2023 ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which instructed Venezuela to refrain from any actions that would change the status quo of the disputed territory.

“Those that seek to threaten us, that become ambitious — they must know that our troops on the frontline are ready in the defence of every square inch of our country,” Ali said.

The President described the military’s service as “not just personal” but “national,” telling the soldiers, “Your service is the definition of what Guyanese stand for.”

With Guyana’s 59th independence anniversary to be observed on Monday, President Ali said the country remains committed to peace, even as it readies itself against any challenge.

“We will ensure we do everything so that the peaceful nature of our country, every sphere of our country, remains the order of the day,” he said.

Addressing the troops directly, Ali added: “As your Commander-in-Chief, you always will have my full support. You always have my extraordinary love and respect because I see all the time the profound cause of what you do every single day.”

Ali also acknowledged the sacrifices of soldiers stationed along Guyana’s borders, often in harsh and challenging conditions.

“I know of troops who will be at different locations in our borders, under different circumstances and challenges. But they do so with pride. They do so with honour and dignity,” he said.

Closing his address, the President offered a heartfelt blessing: “God bless all of you. God bless your families. God bless all our troops all over. And I wish you all well. Thank you very much. God bless you.”

The Venezuelan election, scheduled for May 25, has been condemned by several international observers as a direct affront to the ICJ’s authority and to Guyana’s sovereignty. Guyana maintains that the dispute must be settled at the ICJ, where the matter is currently before the court.