Aubrey Norton, Leader of the Opposition in Guyana, advocates for a significant boost in military capabilities due to Venezuelan aggression. He cites recent incursions and claims by Venezuela over Guyanese territory as imminent threats. Norton emphasizes the need for improved strategies and resources for the Guyana Defence Force while critiquing the government’s approach to Venezuelan migration and security.
Aubrey Norton, the Leader of the Opposition in Guyana, has urged for a substantial increase in the nation’s military capabilities in response to escalating aggression from Venezuela, which continues to assert claims on Guyana’s territory. In recent years, Venezuela has constructed a bridge on Ankoko Island, conducted a referendum concerning the Essequibo Region, and formalized claims to Guyana’s territory, constituting a clear violation of orders from the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Recently, a Venezuelan Coast Guard vessel intruded into Guyana’s waters, while Venezuela has announced plans to elect a Governor for the Essequibo region. During a press conference, Mr. Norton emphasized the need for Guyana to enhance the capacity of the Guyana Defence Force, alongside efforts at the ICJ and support from international partners. He stated, “The evidence should be clear to all and sundry… that the Government of Venezuela is becoming more and more aggressive, and that, we need to be prepared for it.”
Norton remarked on the connection between the recent Venezuelan incursion and a prior attack on Guyanese military personnel near the border. He criticized the government’s handling of Venezuelan migration, suggesting that it could facilitate infiltration and destabilization efforts by Maduro’s regime. He stressed the necessity for Guyana to adopt a comprehensive strategy to address these security threats.
The Opposition Leader asserted that upgrading the Defence Force would involve utilizing advanced technology for monitoring waters and airspace. He mentioned that Guyana possesses the resources necessary to enhance its military capabilities significantly. Last Saturday, Norton met with President Irfaan Ali shortly after the Venezuelan incursion, although he could not disclose specific governmental actions planned in response.
Norton expressed dissatisfaction over the government’s failure to implement several recommended actions from the Opposition, which were intended to enhance regional awareness of the territorial controversy. These recommendations included diplomatic initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean, public advertisements about the controversy, and the mobilization of support from African nations. He argued that these efforts could serve as a deterrent against Venezuela’s aggressive stance.
Furthermore, Norton noted that despite President Ali’s commitment to a public relations campaign aimed at educating citizens about the territorial dispute, such efforts have yet to materialize. He concluded by stating, “Even if the International Court of Justice rules in our favor… we must do everything in our capacity to ensure we deter Venezuela.”
In summary, Aubrey Norton has called for significant enhancements to Guyana’s military capabilities, emphasizing the urgent need to respond to the increasing aggression from Venezuela. The Opposition Leader has expressed concerns over government strategies regarding Venezuelan migration and has outlined various recommendations to improve national security and international awareness regarding the territorial dispute. There is a pressing need for comprehensive actions to deter potential threats from Venezuela, as well as to educate the public on these critical issues.
Original Source: newssourcegy.com
