A country’s security is one of the most important determinants of whether its citizens will have a comfortable existence or not. And, it is the responsibility of the elected government of any nation to ensure that the management of the security sector is in line with democratic best practices. Also, the provision of security must be viewed as a public good.

Governments bear, too, the political responsibility for the activities of the security sector. In other words, the government of the day bears the obligation of providing security to its citizens, protecting them from threats, both internal and external. And, government is answerable to the people for all the actions taken by its security personnel. Fortunately, in Guyana’s case, we have a Head of State who is not only a security expert, but is also a man who served in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) from 1965 to 1992, during which time he rose to the rank of Brigadier. This is particularly fortuitous for Guyanese, considering our particular needs.

President David Granger himself has noted that Guyana is situated in a region of the world that is “characterised by uneasiness, uncertainty and unpredictability.” President Granger was, of course, alluding to the postures of Guyana’s neighbours. Venezuela, on our western border, maintains a claim to 150,500 square km of Guyana’s land, covering five of our ten administrative regions. Additionally, that country continues to resist all rational attempts proposed by Guyana and the international community to end the controversy once and for all.

In addition, on our eastern border, Suriname too, maintains a similar claim. Although less conspicuous than Venezuela’s, the Surinamese issue is worrying, because Guyana has always espoused the position that it wants nothing less than friendly relations with all countries, and desires that the region be a ‘zone of peace’.

The Suriname issue stems from the ‘Territorial Decree’ of May 5, 1936. On that date, The Netherlands, Britain and Brazil had agreed on the point, called the tri-junction point, where the three territories touched. It was agreed and fixed at the head of the Kutari River.

However, as the date of independence approached, The Netherlands reopened the matter, renaming the New River the ‘Upper Corentyne’, and claiming that 15,000 square km of land east of that river belonged to Suriname. While both claims have no merit, Guyana has, since the 1960s, been in a state of continuous engagement in the ongoing attempt to permanently resolve the issues. President David Granger has said that Guyana will continue to pursue all available diplomatic avenues towards a resolution. However, at the same time, the administration will ensure that Guyana has a plan for ‘total national defence’.

Such a plan is, in fact, mandated by Article 197 A (1) of the Constitution, which states that, “The State’s defence and security policy shall be to defend national independence, preserve the country’s sovereignty and integrity, and guarantee the normal functioning of institutions and the security of citizens against any armed aggression.”

Alluding to international aggression, the President noted the determination made by the Border and National Security Committee, which was established following the start of the ‘Troubles’ in 2001. The Committee stated that, “The principal purpose of the Guyana Defence Force is to provide the potential of the application of force to ensure the security of the nation, the freedom of its people, and the promotion of the national interest. Defence policy must determine the structure and capabilities of the Defence Force, and guide the contribution it makes to the country’s defence and security goals in accordance with foreign and economic policies.” The committee stated, too, “Guyana’s national defence should focus on deterrence, based on the potential of military force to support diplomatic efforts designed to avoid recourse to armed conflict.

The President has made his position clear. His Excellency has stated in no uncertain terms that, “Guyana, in light of the injunction of the Constitution and the Council of the Committee and the aggressive persistence of these territorial claims, now needs to define its policy for total national defence. Guyana needs a well-commanded, well-trained, well-equipped defence force with the core capabilities to keep our citizens safe and secure.”

The President has, therefore, determined that the GDF will be so empowered to fulfil its mission. His Excellency has said that Guyana’s defence plan is based on five pillars: Personnel, readiness, infrastructure, morale, and equipment. The Commander-in-Chief has announced that changes have been made, beginning at the top. The positions of Adjutant-General, Quartermaster-General, and Inspector-General have been restored.

Those changes have placed commissioned officers in charge of key areas such as discipline, recruitment, promotions, resources and finance, and operational readiness. The Commander-in-Chief has determined, too, that greater emphasis must be placed on restoration of the technical corps: The Air Corps must be upgraded, the Coast Guard is being improved, and the Engineer Corps is being restored. The three auxiliaries are receiving attention as well. The Reserve Force (People’s Militia) has been reactivated, and is being brought up to full strength; the National Cadet Corps has been restored, and the Civil Defence Corps is receiving attention.

President David Granger has stated his position. Guyana remains a country dedicated to peaceful development, friendly international relations, and neighbourly conduct. As such, any matter of disagreement will be addressed through diplomatic channels. In line with that policy of peaceful resolution of matters, the Commander-in-Chief has stated that, “Guyana’s defence is a matter of utmost importance.” It follows, logically, that the upgrading of Guyana’s defence capabilities is indicated. Considering that President Granger is taking action to ensure Guyana’s total defence, our citizens may rest assured that their security, and that of their country are in capable hands.