Aubrey Norton, the Opposition Leader, urges Guyana to strengthen its military capabilities due to growing aggression from Venezuela, which continues to claim Guyanese territory. He emphasizes the need for military enhancements, strategic approaches toward international partnerships, and threats posed by Venezuelan migration. Norton expresses disappointment over the lack of action on prior recommendations aimed at addressing the territorial dispute and highlights the importance of a public relations campaign on the issue.
The Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, emphasizes the urgent need for Guyana to enhance its military capabilities in response to escalating aggression from Venezuela, which claims part of Guyana’s territory. Over the past five years, Venezuela has taken provocative actions, including building a bridge on Ankoko Island and conducting a controversial referendum concerning the Essequibo Region, actions that violate International Court of Justice (ICJ) orders.
Recently, a Venezuelan Coast Guard vessel encroached upon Guyanese waters, coinciding with discussions of Venezuelan elections for a Governor of the Essequibo region. At a recent press briefing, Norton asserted that alongside legal approaches to the ICJ and seeking international partnerships, enhancing the Guyana Defence Force’s capacity is essential to national security.
Norton remarked that recent hostile actions from Venezuela necessitate a boost to military preparedness, including acquiring advanced weaponry and revisiting training techniques for jungle warfare to ensure national defense capabilities. He expressed concern regarding the government’s handling of Venezuelan migrants, arguing that there is a potential risk of infiltration that could destabilize society.
According to Norton, Guyana must invest in surveillance technologies to monitor its maritime and aerial boundaries effectively. He believes the country possesses the financial capacity to augment military frameworks and maintain preparedness against future Venezuelan aggressions.
Norton recently conferred with President Irfaan Ali following the Venezuelan incident but refrained from disclosing specific government responses. Nonetheless, he expressed frustration over the inaction of previous recommendations from the Opposition, aimed at enhancing international awareness of the territorial dispute, such as deploying envoys and initiating a border commission.
He stressed that even if the ICJ rules in favor of Guyana, proactive measures are needed to deter Venezuelan aggression. Norton also voiced disappointment regarding the absence of a planned public relations campaign to educate the populace about the territorial controversy, despite commitments made by President Ali.
In summary, Aubrey Norton calls for a significant enhancement of Guyana’s military capabilities in light of ongoing Venezuelan aggression, advocating for improved training, increased military resources, and strategic international outreach. He also highlights potential risks posed by Venezuelan migration and the need for improved technological surveillance to safeguard national interests. Furthermore, Norton expresses frustration over the government’s lack of action on past recommendations aimed at addressing the territorial dispute with Venezuela and emphasizes the necessity of proactive measures to deter aggression.
Original Source: newssourcegy.com
