Retired Chief of Staff Dr. Gary Best calls for increased defense spending in Guyana to respond effectively to Venezuelan aggression. He stresses the importance of military readiness and suggests reallocating funds from the infrastructure budget. Following a Venezuelan incursion, the Guyana Government has condemned the threat to its sovereignty and seeks a firm response to ensure national security.
Dr. Gary Best, the retired Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, asserts that Guyana must enhance its military budget amid ongoing Venezuelan aggression. Speaking on the Nation Watch television program following a recent Venezuelan naval incursion, he emphasized the need for increased investment in national defense, noting that less than 5% of this year’s budget was dedicated to it.
Dr. Best highlighted the necessity of re-equipping the Defence Force to respond effectively in potential confrontations with Venezuela. He indicated that improving military readiness is crucial to maintain stability until international assistance can be mobilized. “Diplomacy yes, but still an active weapon by Guyana, but we cannot forget the importance of building up those resources,” he stated.
The incursion involved a Venezuelan Coast Guard vessel questioning oil ship captains and erroneously claiming they were in Venezuelan waters. In response, the Government of Guyana has lodged a formal protest and alerted the international community regarding this provocation, founded on Venezuela’s longstanding claim to Essequibo.
Dr. Best remarked that the Government must take Venezuelan threats seriously and allocate more financial resources towards defense. He suggested that by reducing the infrastructure budget by 40% or 60%, additional funds could be redirected towards strengthening national defense without significantly impacting other sectors of the economy.
The Government of Guyana condemned the Venezuelan actions as a significant threat to national peace and security, asserting that such maneuvers could destabilize the wider Latin American and Caribbean regions. This situation underscores Guyana’s commitment to defending its sovereignty against external threats, emphasizing the urgent need for military enhancement.
In conclusion, Dr. Gary Best has made a compelling case for the necessity of increased budgetary allocations to national defense in Guyana, particularly in light of escalating threats from Venezuela. He advocates for a balance between diplomatic efforts and military preparedness. The Guyana Government’s response to recent aggressions reflects a commitment to national sovereignty and regional stability, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive measures in defense policy.
Original Source: newssourcegy.com
