-as Guyana launches National Defence Institute

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has stated that the newly launched National Defence Institute (NDI) will enhance responses to cybercrimes, gang violence, migration patterns, and natural disasters, considering the evolving nature of security threats.
At an official launch event held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Wednesday, President Ali, in his address highlighted that the NDI is part of a larger effort aimed at protecting Guyana’s national interests and safeguarding the region against every emerging threat.
“The nature of security trends has evolved dramatically, encompassing a range of non-traditional threats that require a broader understanding and a more versatile response,” President Ali said.

Pointing to natural disasters, President Ali stated that the impacts of climate change are becoming more pronounced, necessitating a comprehensive approach to disaster preparedness and response.
As such, defence studies and defence strategies, he said, must encompass environmental security.

“The threats are no longer confined to traditional threats …natural disasters, for example, can cripple a nation’s infrastructure and economy…our leaders must be prepared to respond to environmental disasters, since these pose a threat to national security.”
President Ali highlighted too that the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging threat with the capability to ‘wreak havoc’ on communications and undermining economic stability of countries.
This cyber security threat, he noted, must be understood to address the spread of misinformation using social media platforms.

“Now in the body of cyber security threats is AI and we are seeing, even in sophisticated economies, how AI is damaging information flow, how AI is used to undermine policies, how AI is used to influence people.”
He further noted that the National Defence Institute would serve as a reliable source of expert knowledge for Guyana and the Caribbean, focusing on research, consultation with government agencies, and public engagement to enhance national security understanding.
Examining gang violence and migration patterns, the institution, he noted, will conduct quarterly regional reviews.

It will collaborate with institutions like the University of Guyana, National Defence University in Washington and the William J. Perry Centre for Hemispheric Defence Studies.
The institute’s research and teaching areas include foreign policy, strategic studies, human security, and civilian-military relations.
It plans to offer a certificate in defence studies, an undergraduate programme, and a master’s degree, covering topics such as balance of power theory, cybersecurity, and regional security. Practical training will also be provided, including a tabletop exercise on emergency rescue and evacuation operations led by experienced professionals.

Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, noted that the institution represents a crucial milestone in Guyana’s national defence and security architecture.
According to the Army Chief, the defence institute will play a critical role in the interplay of security and development.
“The defence institute is an integral component of the ecosystem of national development. The establishment of one as we are doing today is a significant step in building out our ecosystem.”