Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
With the ongoing conflict between Guyana and Venezuela, reports indicate that Guyana is strengthening its military capabilities, acquiring equipment from overseas.
The most recent development is the signing of a $42 million deal with France, to acquire an offshore military patrol vessel set to be put in commission in 2025 alongside two metal shark military patrol vessels from the United States, that are scheduled to arrive in a matter of weeks, as highlighted in reports.
Venezuela, weeks ago, in the Netherlands, filed a legal defense for its claims to Essequibo at the World Court and ironically, this agreement between Guyana and France came the same day, mere hours ahead of Venezuela’s plans.
Venezuela’s move was highlighted on the social media platform X by Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who expressed that documents will be presented showing Venezuela’s right for Essequibo.
She described the arrival of the Venezuelan delegation in the Netherlands as one to “deliver the historical truth.”
This came after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on December 1, 2023, ordered that Venezuela must not take any action that could alter the status quo in Essequibo.
Speaking at a recent military officers conference, President Irfaan Ali expressed that his country’s current efforts are a show of its dedication to defend itself.
“As we grow, the threats are going to become more sophisticated. While we are a peaceful state, no one should underestimate our resolve at protecting our territory and safeguarding national sovereignty. Let not our peaceful intent be mistaken for weakness. As I said recently, we will not bend to threats nor cower in the face of intimidation,” he maintained according to reports.
Additionally, Guyana has ordered medium range helicopters, four of them, from the Bell Corporation of Texas as well as night vision tech and long range drones among other high tech equipment.
Adding to that are transport planes from India. In fact, in recent weeks, on March 31st, Ali posted on Facebook that two Dornier 228 planes arrived from The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), to the Guyana Defence Force, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
These are major developments for Guyana which arrived after top western and American government officials visited the island over the past few months. Included in the list of visitors are U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, CIA Director William. J. Burns and U.S. Southern Military Commander General, Laura Richardson.
