Guyana building ‘smart, modern and resilient’ Army – Chief of Defence Staff Omar Khan

Guyana is advancing a military strategy aimed at developing a “smart, modern, and resilient” defence force, according to Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, who emphasised the military’s role not only in safeguarding national borders against Venezuela’s aggression but also in supporting the country’s broader economic ambitions.

There has been increased aggression from Venezuela towards Guyana regarding the border controversy, but Khan has said Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo region is more “political theatre” than a military threat.

Nevertheless, Brigadier Khan stated that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) remains resolute in protecting Guyana’s border. He noted the army continues to be cautious and is operating within its defence strategy, known as the DIME (Diplomacy, Information, Military, and Economic) construct.

“Yes, Venezuela has increased its aggression against Guyana,” Brigadier Khan said. “Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo is more political theatre than a military threat. The Guyana Defence Force remains resolute concerning our borders. We are operating under a military strategy to build, deploy, and operate a smart, modern, and resilient force, not only to defend Guyana but also to contribute to economic development.”

Brigadier Khan made these remarks on Tuesday during the first episode of a new programme, “Safeguarding the Nation,” broadcast live on Facebook.

The border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela is decades old. The internationally recognised boundary was settled in 1899 through an Arbitral Award, accepted by both Venezuela and Guyana (then British Guiana) until the 1960s, as Guyana approached independence.

A political mechanism known as the 1966 Geneva Agreement was established to resolve the controversy after Venezuela repudiated the arbitral award. But after decades of unsuccessful talks, the United Nations Secretary-General referred the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN’s principal judicial organ. Guyana hopes the Court will provide a final, binding judgment reaffirming its borders and ownership of the Essequibo region.

After Venezuela revived the controversy again a year and half ago, an agreement was signed in Argyle, St Vincent in the presence of regional and international interlocutors, unequivocally committing Guyana and Venezuela to refrain from escalating any conflict or disagreement arising from the territorial controversy. This includes avoiding actions that could aggravate tensions or alter the current situation in the disputed territory, pending resolution in accordance with international law.

Despite this, there has been increased aggression from Venezuela regarding its claim, including conducting elections for overseers of Guyana’s Essequibo region. Brigadier Khan reiterated on Tuesday Guyana’s commitment to safeguarding its borders.

Acknowledging Venezuela’s military is significantly larger, Brigadier Khan emphasised that in defence, size does not necessarily translate into success.

“Military conflict is not in anyone’s interest. The claim by Venezuela is political and should remain there, and the process at the ICJ should be followed,” the Chief of Defence Staff said.

He further highlighted the critical role of support and partnerships with international and regional allies, including the US, UK, and CARICOM, in protecting Guyana’s borders.

“All these nations hold dear the values of peace and respect for international law,” Brigadier Khan concluded.