Retired GDF Chief of Staff Advocates for Enhanced Military Budget in Guyana

Retired Chief of Staff Dr. Gary Best urges increased budget allocation for military defense in Guyana due to Venezuelan aggression. He cites the importance of military readiness alongside diplomatic efforts, especially following a recent incursion by Venezuelan forces. The Guyana government has officially protested this aggression and is focusing on national defense.

Dr. Gary Best, the retired Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, has expressed concerns regarding the safety of Guyana in light of Venezuela’s recent aggressive actions. He advocates for increased budgetary allocations towards military enhancements, asserting that mere diplomatic efforts will not suffice. Currently, less than 5% of the national budget is designated for defense, which he deems insufficient given the geopolitical threats.

Following a recent incident where a Venezuelan military vessel intruded into Guyana’s territorial waters, Dr. Best emphasized the necessity for the Guyana Defence Force to be re-equipped effectively. He argued for enhancing military readiness to withstand threats from Venezuela for a significant duration, ideally 72 hours, until international diplomatic assistance can be secured.

The Venezuelan Coast Guard’s incursion involved patrolling near oil production vessels for over five hours, misleadingly asserting that these operations were within Venezuelan waters. In response, the Guyana government has lodged a formal protest and engaged the international community to highlight this act of aggression. Dr. Best continued to stress the importance of taking these threats seriously.

He pointed to the relative abundance of resources within the national budget, suggesting that reallocating funds—such as reducing infrastructure spending—could increase defense expenditure significantly without jeopardizing other sectors. The Guyana government has condemned Venezuela’s actions, viewing them as provocative and detrimental to regional stability, and reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty against encroachments.

In summary, Dr. Gary Best calls for heightened defense spending in Guyana in response to ongoing threats from Venezuela. He argues for a more substantial allocation of national resources to military preparedness, especially in the wake of recent aggressive incursions. The Guyana government has acknowledged these threats and is taking steps to assert its sovereignty, stressing the need for serious and proactive measures in defense strategy.

Original Source: newssourcegy.com