鈥擥DF Chief, says Essequibo claims more 鈥榩olitical theatre鈥, than military threat, as Guyana balances compassion with security
THE Guyana Defence Force is managing the influx of Venezuelan migrants with a multi-agency approach, balancing compassion and security.
This is according to Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, who, during a Tuesday broadcast of a new programme 鈥淪afeguarding the Nation鈥 noted that strong measures are implemented to ensure that Venezuelan migrants entering Guyana are intercepted, screened and documented.
鈥淚n the execution of my duties and my visits to border communities, I have personally witnessed Venezuelan migrants and the embarrassment, the shame, the almost loss of dignity of families, women, children, babies, fathers, seeking refuge in a foreign land,鈥 the Army Chief said.
In recent years, Guyana has seen an influx of migrants fleeing Venezuela due to the political and economic crisis.
鈥淕uyana, [is] receiving thousands of Venezuelan migrants, but countries like Colombia and Brazil, they are in the millions. It tells about the political and socio-economic conditions in Venezuela.鈥
鈥淭his is disheartening, but while Guyana is approaching this with compassion, we are committed to safe borders,鈥 Khan stressed.
Guyana鈥檚 multipronged approach sees collaboration among the ministry of health, the local police, and other regional and government authorities.
鈥淲e have implemented strong security measures on vetting, processing, documenting all Venezuelan migrants. And this is another example in which not only the Guyana Defence Force is involved, but as a multi-agency approach, again, the police force, the Ministry of Health, the local government authorities, the regional authorities, everyone is on board whenever we have the interception of Venezuelan migrants.鈥
BORDER CONTROVERSY: POLITICAL THEATRE RATHER THAN MILITARY
Meanwhile, responding to questions on the ongoing border controversy, Brigadier Khan noted that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) remains resolute in protecting Guyana鈥檚 border.
He explained that the GDF continues to be cautious and is operating within its defence strategy, Diplomacy, Information, Military, and Economic (DIME).
He remarked that Venezuela鈥檚 continued assertion of sovereignty over Guyana鈥檚 Essequibo region is better characterised as political maneuvering than a military threat.
Nevertheless, the GDF, remains cognisant and investments are being made in 鈥榮mart鈥 technology not only to secure the country鈥檚 borders but promote safety country wide.
鈥淲e are operating on the 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.鈥
Recently, Venezuela had failed at its attempt to host elections over Guyana鈥檚 Essequibo region.
The Nicol谩s Maduro administration had held a national vote in May to support illegal claims over Essequibo, on Guyana鈥檚 59TH Independence anniversary despite the matter being before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has cautioned Venezuela against taking any unilateral actions that would alter the status quo.
There were no reports of unauthorised activities in bordering communities across the country.
On May 1, 2025, the ICJ ordered the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to refrain from holding or preparing for any elections in Guyana鈥檚 Essequibo region, pending a final ruling on the ongoing border controversy.
The decision comes in response to a request by Guyana following Venezuela鈥檚 January 2025 announcement of plans to elect a governor and legislative council for what it claims to be the 鈥淕uayana Esequiba State.鈥
In its ruling, the World Court reaffirmed the provisional measures granted on December 1, 2023, and introduced a new, binding directive.
The court in its December 1, 2023 order, stated: 鈥淧ending a final decision in the case, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action which would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute for which the Cooperative Republic of Guyana administers and exercises control over that area; and both parties shall refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute before the court or make it more difficult to resolve.鈥
The border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela was settled by the 1899 Arbitral Agreement.
However, during the early 1960s, Venezuela鈥檚 claims to the Essequibo region resurged, and the country threatened physical invasion.
Guyana has maintained that its terrestrial boundary is 83,000 square miles, in addition to the internationally known maritime allocation.
鈥淢ilitary conflict is not in anyone鈥檚 interest. The claim by Venezuela is political and should remain there, and the process at the ICJ should be followed,鈥 the Chief of Defence Staff reminded.