In the inaugural episode of Safeguarding Our Nation, a new national conversation series focused on security, leadership, and public trust, Chief of Defence Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan, shared an in-depth perspective on the country’s approach to national security and border protection.
With over 30 years of service and extensive experience in senior command and national intelligence, Brigadier Khan disclosed that Guyana’s security framework operates under the DIME construct: Diplomacy, Information, Military, and Economic, which guides the GDF’s strategic posture in the face of evolving regional challenges.
Addressing escalating tensions stemming from Venezuela’s political claims over the resource-rich Essequibo region, Brigadier Khan underscored that the GDF remains vigilant yet confident.
“Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo is more political theatre than military threat,” he said, noting that Guyana’s borders were settled by the 1899 Arbitral Award and that any resolution must follow the International Court of Justice process.
While acknowledging Venezuela’s larger military size, Brigadier Khan argued that size does not guarantee success. Instead, the GDF’s focus is on strategic capability, leveraging technology, and building robust international partnerships with key allies such as the United States, the United Kingdom, CARICOM nations, France, Colombia, and Brazil. These partnerships support Guyana’s sovereign interests and respect for international law.
Highlighting significant investments in recent years, the Chief of Defence Staff revealed that defence spending has increased by over 800 per cent, funding advanced technology and training initiatives.
Notably, Guyana is poised to acquire a new ocean patrol vessel and enhanced aerial surveillance assets to monitor its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Brigadier Khan also addressed the critical challenge of transnational criminal activity along Guyana’s 3,000 kilometres of borders, including arms trafficking, drug smuggling, fuel pilferage, and illegal airstrips.
He noted the GDF’s integral role in a joint, multi-agency approach alongside the Police Force, Fire Service, Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit, and other agencies to combat these illicit economies.
Last year, joint efforts led to the interception of over four tonnes of cocaine in Region One.
On the humanitarian front, Brigadier Khan expressed compassion for the thousands of Venezuelan migrants seeking refuge in Guyana, while affirming the need for strong security protocols.
“We have implemented stringent vetting, processing, and documentation measures supported by a multi-agency collaboration to balance humanitarian care with national security,” he explained.
The Defence Force’s humanitarian role extends beyond borders, having contributed to over 200 disaster relief and national development projects regionally, including recent efforts in Grenada and St. Vincent.
Concluding the programme, Brigadier Khan shared his personal journey from uncertainty to a fulfilling 30-year military career with the aim of encouraging youths to join the GDF.
He encouraged young Guyanese to consider the Defence Force as a pathway to discover purpose, passion, and patriotism, whether as engineers, pilots, cybersecurity specialists, or in other roles.
“Your country needs you. We are looking for the next generation of defenders,” he stated.
