Aubrey Norton, Leader of the Opposition in Guyana, urges for a significant military enhancement due to escalating Venezuelan aggression, including territorial claims and recent incursions. He advocates for increased military spending, advanced training, and strategic public relations efforts to bolster national defense and deter Venezuela’s actions. Norton expresses disappointment in the government’s lack of action on prior recommendations regarding the territorial controversy and stresses the importance of readiness in both military and public awareness.
Aubrey Norton, the Leader of the Opposition in Guyana, has called for a significant enhancement of the country’s military capabilities in light of escalating tensions with Venezuela, which has been making territorial claims. Over the past five years, Venezuela has constructed a bridge on Ankoko Island, held a referendum regarding the Essequibo Region, and passed legislation to validate these claims, actions deemed in violation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) orders.
Recently, Venezuelan forces have invaded Guyanese waters and proposed elections for a Governor of the Essequibo Region. Mr. Norton emphasized at a press conference that Guyana must strengthen its military capacity alongside pursuing legal avenues through the ICJ and seeking international assistance. He remarked, “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 advocated for an increase in military spending and enhanced training for the Guyana Defence Force, stating that it should reflect the rigorous standards of the 1970s to ensure preparedness against any Venezuelan invasion. He noted the connection between recent military incursions and aggressive actions at the border, criticizing the government’s lax handling of Venezuelan migration, which he argued may include infiltrators intent on destabilization.
To further prepare for potential conflicts, Norton insisted Guyana must modernize its Defence Force with technological advancements to better monitor national waters and airspace. He expressed confidence in the availability of resources to significantly bolster military capabilities.
After a Venezuelan maritime incursion, Norton engaged with President Irfaan Ali but refrained from disclosing certain governmental strategies regarding the territorial dispute. He expressed disappointment that previous recommendations from the Opposition, such as enhancing outreach to other nations about the territorial controversy and initiating a public relations campaign, had not received necessary action despite assurances from President Ali.
Norton concluded that while a favorable ruling from the ICJ is crucial, it alone will not deter Venezuelan aggression. He underscored the necessity to undertake comprehensive actions for effective deterrence, stating, “Even if the International Court of Justice rule in our favor, that in itself will not prevent Venezuela… we must do everything in our capacity to ensure we deter Venezuela.”
In summary, Aubrey Norton has emphasized the urgent need for Guyana to enhance its military capacities in response to increasing aggression from Venezuela. He advocates for modern training, technology, and resource allocation to fortify the Guyana Defence Force. Furthermore, Norton has expressed frustration over the lack of action on prior recommendations aimed at strengthening Guyana’s position on the territorial dispute. These efforts are crucial for ensuring national security and deterring future Venezuelan incursions.
Original Source: newssourcegy.com
