Retired GDF Chief of Staff Dr. Gary Best urges the Guyana Government to increase budget allocations for defense amid Venezuelan aggression. He highlighted the importance of strengthening military resources alongside diplomacy to effectively deter threats. Less than 5% of Guyana’s budget currently supports defense, prompting calls for a strategic reallocation to enhance national security.
Dr. Gary Best, the retired Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, emphasized the necessity for Guyana to extend its budget allocation for defense in light of ongoing Venezuelan aggression. He argued that while diplomacy is important, it must be complemented by enhanced military resources to effectively deter threats from Venezuela. In the current budget, less than 5% is designated for national defense, which is insufficient given the geopolitical tensions.
Following a recent incursion where a Venezuelan Coast Guard vessel lingered in Guyanese waters, questioning oil ship captains under false pretenses, Dr. Best expressed the need for the Guyana Government to prioritize national defense. He asserted that the government needs to invest more in equipping the Defence Force properly to withstand any potential aggression for a short duration until international intervention can be secured.
He proposed that reallocating a portion of the national budget from infrastructure to defense could significantly enhance military capabilities. Dr. Best noted that the government must recognize the threats posed by Venezuela and allocate the necessary resources to safeguard Guyana’s territorial integrity effectively. He stressed that an increase in defense spending would not detract from other sectors if done strategically.
The Guyana Government has officially protested against Venezuela’s actions, identifying them as a threat to the nation’s peace and security. The government considers the Venezuelan maneuvers as provocation and highlighted the urgent need for a robust defense strategy to protect both land and maritime territories.
In summary, Dr. Gary Best’s call for increased defense spending in Guyana underscores the critical nature of national security amidst ongoing threats. He advocates for a reassessment of budget allocations to bolster military capabilities, which can safeguard Guyana’s sovereignty. The government’s response to Venezuelan provocation demonstrates a commitment to maintaining territorial integrity and reinforces the necessity of preparedness in addressing such challenges.
Original Source: newssourcegy.com
