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U.S. army officials arrive in Guyana as Venezuela prepares for December 3 referendum
Kaieteur News – Defense officials of the United States (U.S.) army are in Guyana and have been engaging the top brass of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) over the last two days. Their engagement with GDF comes as neighbouring Venezuela prepares to move ahead with its planned referendum on December 3 to falsely claim Guyana’s Essequibo.
The U.S. Embassy in Georgetown noted in a press release on Tuesday, “The leadership from the United States Army 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) met November 27-28 as part of the United States and Guyana’s strong military to military partnership”.
Discussions, according to the embassy, were centered on “upcoming engagements to include strategic planning sessions and processes to enhance both countries’ military readiness and capabilities to respond to security threats.”
The SFAB Advisors said, “We are thankful for the opportunity to train with the Guyana Defence Force as our partners and friends. We look forward to deepening the partnership in the weeks and months to come.”
American military personnel training with GDF ranks during the recently concluded Tradewinds Exercise in Guyana
In response to the visit, GDF’s Staff Officer One, General Three – Operations and Training – Lieutenant Colonel, Andy Pompey said that Guyana has benefitted tremendously from a previous iteration of U.S. military training here.
“The transfer of knowledge and expertise from our U.S. counterparts under the auspices of the SFAB has equipped our members with invaluable skills that are directly applicable to the dynamic nature of our modern security environment,” Pompey said.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy noted that the U.S. and Guyana enjoy a longstanding security partnership marked by strong collaboration between SOUTHCOM and the GDF.
That partnership, according to the embassy, is focused on disaster preparedness, humanitarian assistance, maritime security, human rights, professional development, defense and public-security missions, and countering transnational crime.
The arrival of the U.S. Defense officials comes days after President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, told residents in the border community of Mabaruma, Region One that two teams from the U.S. Department of Defense would be paying two visits to Guyana.
President Ali’s recent visit to Mabaruma and other border communities was aimed at sensitizing citizens about the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela and to quell fears among the residents about aggression from the neighbouring country on its claims of the county of Essequibo.
Last week at his weekly press engagement, Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo also spoke of the U.S. Defense teams visit to Guyana while responding to questions from a reporter on the ongoing tensions between the two countries.
While affirming to the country’s commitment to peace, Jagdeo said that in preparation for potential scenarios, Guyana is exploring various options and actively engaging with allies.
He said in addition to the two teams from the United States Department of Defense, several other visits have been planned in the month of December.
Emphasizing Guyana’s steadfast pursuit of peace, particularly at its borders, Jagdeo reiterated the government’s dedication to exploring all available measures for national defence. Addressing concerns about potential aggression, VP Jagdeo emphasised, “We are not going to succumb to Venezuela’s bullyism,” clarifying that Guyana is focused on protecting its sovereignty through diplomatic means. He stressed that the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela should be resolved peacefully in the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Asserting global support, Jagdeo reminded of the backing from organizations like CARICOM, the Commonwealth, and the Organisation of the American States (OAS), along with major nations such as the United Kingdom (UK).
Moreover, Guyana is currently awaiting the ruling of the ICJ on its request for provisional measures that would block questions relating to the annexation of the Essequibo territory in the upcoming December 3 referendum by the Venezuelan government.
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