Govt. must do more to contain Venezuela’s aggression

May 16, 2025 News

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…urged to prioritise safety and welfare of our armed forces

Kaieteur News-  In the wake of the attacks on Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldiers by armed men in Venezuela on Wednesday, citizens and at least one Member of Parliament have called on the government to do more to contain the aggression by Caracas.

In a statement at midnight Wednesday, the GDF said that within the past twenty-four hours, armed men in civilian clothing on the Venezuelan shore along the Cuyuni River, between Eteringbang and Makapa, carried out three separate attacks on Guyana Defence Force troops who were conducting riverine patrols. The GDF said on each occasion, soldiers executed a measured response, and no rank sustained any injuries. “The Force remains resolute in its mission to protect Guyana’s territorial integrity and ensure the safety of its citizens. It will continue to respond to acts of aggression along the Guyana-Venezuela border and will maintain regular patrols along the Cuyuni River,” the statement read. “The public is assured that the Guyana Defence Force is taking all necessary measures to safeguard the nation’s borders and maintain peace and security within our beloved country,” the GDF said.

Reacting to the incident, Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister, Amanza Walton-Desir said the attacks on the soldiers “are not just attacks on our troops these are attacks on Guyana.”

“We stand in solidarity with our armed forces and we thank God no lives were lost. But let us be honest and acknowledge that more has to be done for our men and women who risk their lives in our defence. The government must do more than issue statements. Now is the time to act with clarity and urgency to foster national unity. Let us be clear however, that unity in moments like these doesn’t happen by accident. It must be led, it must be earned, and it must be real. No more lip service. No more optics. The time for decisive, inclusive leadership is now,” the opposition Member of Parliament said.

A New and United Guyana (ANUG) political party in a statement also expressed deep concern over the recent incident. “This unprovoked act of aggression underscores the urgency of national unity in the face of external threats to our sovereignty and territorial integrity. ANUG unequivocally condemns any act of violence against the brave men and women of the GDF who stand as the vanguard of our nation’s security. We call on all citizens to rally together in support of our Armed Forces, recognising their critical role in protecting our national patrimony against incursions and threats.”

ANUG also urged the Venezuelan Government to honour international treaties and respect international laws by taking decisive action to prevent further incursions by directed armed gangs or military factions, operating along the Guyana-Venezuelan Border. “Guyana remains committed to resolving the ongoing border dispute through peaceful means and in accordance with International Law. The matter of the border is currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and we urge all parties to respect the decisions of this esteemed body,” the statement noted.

In addition, ANUG calls upon Guyana’s incumbent government to prioritise the safety and welfare of our armed forces by ensuring they are adequately equipped, trained, and supported in carrying out their vital duties. It is imperative that all necessary resources be mobilized to secure our borders and maintain peace and stability in the region. “Now, more than ever, we must stand as one nation, united against any external threat to our sovereignty. We appeal to every citizen to remain vigilant, steadfast, and committed to defending our beloved country,” the ANUG statement concluded.

Clear violation

For its part, the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc), through its Chairman Mr. Halim Khan, also condemned what it described as “Venezuela’s provocative and illegal decision to include Guyana’s sovereign territory, Essequibo, in its upcoming regional and gubernatorial elections slated for May 25.”

Describing the move as “a clear violation of international law and an insult to Guyana’s sovereignty,” Mr. Khan is calling on all Guyanese to stand united in peaceful resistance while advocating for stronger institutional capacity and preparedness to defend the homeland. “No country can hold an election on land it does not govern. Venezuela’s attempt to do so is nothing short of illegal occupation masked as democracy,” Mr. Khan declared.

Khan emphasised the need for targeted training and capacity-building across national sectors. He advocated for the equipping of key personnel with the authority and resources to lead in times of potential crisis. “We must act now to ensure our readiness. The establishment of a more robust and responsive Joint Services task force is not just necessary—it is urgent. It will stand as both a deterrent and a symbol of Guyana’s unshakeable resolve,” he said.

Khan is encouraging all citizens—including schoolchildren, residents, and members of the business community—to take a visible stand in defense of Guyana’s sovereignty. “On May 25, I call on all Guyanese to line the roadways across our nation and wave the Golden Arrowhead with pride. Let the world see that Essequibo is Guyana—not just in law, but in spirit,” he urged.

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