–with plans to increase funding for military in 2024 budget
–Dr. Jagdeo clarifies move is strictly for defensive purposes, to protect country’s exclusive economic zone

IN a strategic move to bolster its national security, Guyana will significantly increase investments in its military.
This was according to General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who during his weekly press conference, highlighted that more funds will be directed towards enhancing defence capabilities in collaboration with international allies. This will be reflected in the 2024 budget, which will be presented early.

“We have to spend more now on the defence…ensuring that we grow our capability to protect this country,” Dr. Jagdeo said.
He underscored that the primary objective is to bolster Guyana’s security apparatus in a defensive capacity, clarifying that there are no intentions to launch attacks on any nation, including Venezuela.

The General Secretary referenced recent discussions between Presidents Dr. Irfaan Ali and Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro at the Argyle International Airport in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where there was a commitment to peace.
The meeting was facilitated by the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, and was observed by Brazil, CARICOM, and a UN Under-Secretary-General.

This historic meeting culminated in what is now known as the “Argyle Declaration,” an 11-point agreement which addresses matters consequential to the border controversy, including the fact that Guyana holds firmly to its position that the substantive case is before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

President Ali and President Maduro have also committed to maintaining a “zone of peace,” as talks continue.
“We made it clear in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines that our engagement with our international partners is to build capacity of a defensive nature,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

He dismissed any assertions that Guyana harbours “aggressive” intentions and assured that the focus is on safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.
The General Secretary highlighted the significance of defence co-operation with allies and pointed out that the investments in the military would be purely defensive in nature.

“We will continue to pursue defence co-operation with our allies purely in a defensive capacity to ensure that our country is capable, with our partners, of defending itself,” he affirmed.

One of the key drivers behind the increased investment in defence, according to Jagdeo, is the protection of Guyana’s exclusive economic zone.

“When we found out that we were losing over $100 million per year in illegal fishing in our exclusive economic zone, we made commitments to make sure that we can purchase radar capability and other capability as well as intercept capability,” he said.

This, he clarified, is not geared towards hostile actions but rather policing the exclusive economic zone and asserting sovereignty over the nation’s territory.
The General Secretary assured stakeholders that the government’s strategic approach aligns with international norms, emphasising a defensive posture.

“It’s not to attack Venezuela or anyone else. It’s purely defensive in a defensive capacity. So, once we signed the agreement, we still have to ensure that we continue on this task,” Dr. Jagdeo said.
He related that the increased allocation for defence reflects the People’s Progressive Party Civic’ (PPP/C) government’s commitment to fortifying the nation’s security infrastructure in collaboration with international partners.