Guyana “vigilant and militant” against threats to territory – Pres Ali

…says increased defence spending not for arms race but modernising military

While Guyana remains committed to the principle of non-aggression, President Dr Irfaan Ali has also made it clear that Guyana is vigilant and militant against any threats, including to the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
During the opening of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Annual Officers’ Conference on Thursday, President Ali, who is also the Commander-in-Chief, sent a clear message, noting that Guyana remained vigilant and militant against any threats to its territory.
These include threats to the EEZ, where ExxonMobil is both producing and exploring for oil. And it comes just days after Exxon had announced it would be drilling seven new wells in the Stabroek Block this year.
“Guyana is committed to the principle of non-aggression, but we remain vigilant and militant in the face of all and any threats. We must never be found blinking but ever ready to deter and resist any threat to our country.
“By investing in modernising our defence infrastructure and equipping our personnel with cutting-edge technology, we aim to create a force that is not only better prepared to address evolving security threats but also more effective in dealing with potential aggressors,” the President said.
President Ali noted that efforts to strengthen the capacity of the GDF, including the increased budgetary allocation of $42.2 billion this year, would continue. He further noted that these efforts were not to pursue a policy of military build-up but a policy of deterrence by maximising resources to the Force.
“I want to emphasise a crucial point. Our endeavours to strengthen the Guyana Defence Force and elevate its capabilities are not driven by a desire to engage in an arms race with any nation. Very important,” the President explained.
“While we’re committed to recapitalising the Force and enhancing its capacity, we do not intend to stretch our financial resources excessively to match the military expenditures of our more formidable neighbour to the west. Our commitment lies not in outspending others but in strategic resource allocation that maximises our defence capabilities while maintaining fiscal responsibility.”
According to the Commander-in-Chief, Guyana is focused on cultivating a more agile and adaptable GDF. He explained that the Government intended to prioritise deterrence over military build-up.
“We cannot operate in today’s environment if we do not adapt to the technology that is available before us. Especially when we have a small population with such large borders and a small defence force in human assets. Technology then becomes even more critical,” he said.

Seven wells
Oil major ExxonMobil had announced plans to drill and appraise, in 2024, at least seven new wells within the Stabroek Block, including two within the western boundaries of the oil field. The two wells are the Trumpetfish and the Redmouth. Five of the wells are expected to guide the company in assessing the quantity and usability of the natural gas reserve in the Stabroek Block, particularly the eastern portion.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge said if the wells led to commercially-viable resources, the company could drill additional wells in the area.
These activities, especially the planned exploration west of the Essequibo River, raise questions about the US oil major’s posture towards the threats coming from Guyana’s western neighbour, Venezuela.
In recent times, Guyana has been boosting its defence capabilities through several initiatives, including robust engagements with global partners, such as the United States.
US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Air Force Commander, Major General Evan Pettus visited Guyana where fruitful discussions were had on several security matters, including with the GDF on its air domain awareness and collaboration on advancing Guyana’s airspace awareness capacity.
During a media briefing last Friday following his engagements with Guyanese officials, the Commander of the Air Force arm of SOUTHCOM was questioned about the steps taken to counter the narrative being peddled by Venezuela that the US was setting up a military base in Guyana. He dismissed the claims as rumours.
Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), Exxon’s local subsidiary, is the operator of the Stabroek Block, and holds a 45 per cent interest, while Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds a 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.
However, Hess Corporation has agreed to merge with Chevron, and this transaction is expected to be closed in the first half of this year.
ExxonMobil currently has three Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels operating in Guyana’s Stabroek Block in waters offshore. The current production figures will be further buttressed by the Yellowtail and Uaru developments which are already underway, and anticipated to contribute 250,000 barrels of oil each following their respective start-up.
An application for the sixth development, the Whiptail Project, was submitted by the Stabroek Block operator, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), and its co-venturers.
This project is currently under review by the Government, and once approved, will see Guyana producing just over 1.2 million barrels of oil per day by 2027. (G3)