Venezuela’s planned election to elect a governor in Guyana’s resource-rich Essequibo is May 26, and President Dr. Irfaan Ali has issued a clear and resolute message: Guyana will not stand idly by.
Addressing ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) stationed in Essequibo during a breakfast engagement on Saturday, the Head of State affirmed that the nation is fully prepared to defend its sovereignty.
He commended the soldiers for their commitment and declared that the entire country stands behind them.
“I want to assure you,” he said, “that behind you on the frontline is the blood of every Guyanese ready to support every effort necessary against those who seek to disturb the peace in our region.”
The election, which goes against the Joint Declaration of Argyle, also defies a ruling issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently, which ordered the Spanish-speaking nation to refrain from conducting or preparing to conduct elections in Guyana’s Essequibo region, two-thirds of the country’s landmass.
“Those who threaten us, those who become ambitious, must understand that our troops are ready to defend every square inch of this land,” Ali said.
He described military service as a noble act of patriotism, telling the soldiers that their duty represents the very essence of what it means to be Guyanese.
“This is not just a personal sacrifice; it is a national commitment,” he said.
Meanwhile, as Guyana prepares to mark its 59th independence anniversary on Monday, the President reaffirmed the country’s desire for peace, but not at the cost of its territorial integrity.
“We will do everything necessary to preserve the peace that defines our nation. That peace must remain the order of the day,” he said. “And as your Commander-in-Chief, I give you my full support always. You have my respect and my heartfelt appreciation for your service.”
President Ali also recognised the difficult conditions many soldiers endure while guarding the country’s borders.
“There are troops stationed in harsh, remote areas. Yet they serve with pride, with honour, and with dignity,” he said.
