President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Tuesday strongly reaffirmed Guyana’s sovereign right to defend and manage its own territory, in response to threats made by Venezuela, which warned that any actions against Venezuela originating from Guyana’s territory would provoke a “legitimate” military response.
At a press conference held at the Office of the President, Dr. Ali was asked directly about the escalating rhetoric coming from Caracas, particularly in the context of Venezuela’s longstanding territorial claim to the Essequibo region and recent regional security concerns.
“I have heard a lot of statements from Venezuela. Let me say very clearly: our sovereignty is our sovereignty. What we do in relation to our sovereignty is our business,” the President stated firmly.
While asserting Guyana’s rights, Dr. Ali underscored that his government’s priority is to ensure the region remains stable. “Our priority as a government and as a people is to ensure this region remains a zone of peace. That is what we are committed to,” he said.
The President also highlighted the wider security challenges facing the Caribbean, including transnational crime, narcotics trafficking, and other illicit activities that threaten regional stability. He reminded that Guyana has consistently raised these issues at the CARICOM level and in bilateral engagements with the US, emphasising collaboration to address these threats.
In response to a separate question about US military operations against suspected drug traffickers in the region, Dr. Ali acknowledged concerns but reiterated Guyana’s determination to protect its borders and exclusive economic zone from criminal exploitation.
“We do not want our land or sea to be used by any criminal network. We have a joint responsibility to make the necessary investments to secure our borders, our people, and our region,” he said, noting that Guyana is working with partners to strengthen air surveillance and counter-narcotics systems.
Dr. Ali noted that Guyana remains committed both to defending its sovereignty and to advancing regional cooperation to maintain peace in the hemisphere.
