Strategy, not size, is Guyana’s strength – GDF Chief

…says Venezuela’s antics more “political theatre” than military threat

Describing Venezuela’s illegal claim to Essequibo as more political than military threat, Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan has assured that despite the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) smaller size compared to Venezuelan’s army, GDF is being strategic and resolute to make up for this.
Brigadier Khan was at the time the inaugural guest on the first episode of Safeguarding the Nation, a new State-produced show with a focus on national security matters. One of the questions he was asked, concerned the size of the GDF, compared to Venezuela’s army.

According to Khan, however, size does not translate to success. He made it clear that the GDF is making up for the size difference, with the strategic decisions and investments in equipment it is making, under the Diplomacy, Information, Military and Economic (DIME) concept.
“History would tell us that size does not translate to success. That is why we’re focusing on strategy, on technology. And partnership. Military conflict is not in anyone’s interest,” Khan explained.
“The claim by Venezuela is political. It should remain there. The process of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) should be followed. As a peaceful nation, the GDF operates under the DIME concept.”
When it comes to asset acquisition, Khan made reference to the Ocean Patrol Vessel and the Airplane that will be received. This is likely a reference to the €39.5 million OPV vessel that is being sourced from a French company and the new Italian made Tecnam P2012 aircraft for the GDF.
“Over the past five years, our investment in the defence sector has seen an increase in over 800 per cent. And this was spread across several areas. Technology, training, etc. So yes, we may be small. But we are being strategic, smart and resolute,” the Chief of Defence Staff said.
That being said, Khan emphasised that conflict is in no one’s best interest. He noted that the Venezuelan threat to Guyana is more political theatre than military threat and noted the importance of it remaining just politics.
“Venezuela and their claim to the Essequibo, is more political theatre than military threat. We, however, are being cautious. As a defence force, we’re operating within our defence policy. Of the DIME construct,” he explained.
“Integral in this process is our partnership with the United States (US). Our most important and strategic partner. The United Kingdom (UK). CARICOM. France, Columbia, Brazil. All these nations who hold dear to them, the values of peace, respect for international law. This is where we stand on the position of the border.”
Back in December 2023, Presidents Irfaan Ali of Guyana and Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela signed the Argyle Declaration in Argyle, St Vincent and the Grenadines. This agreement was facilitated by regional leaders, including Prime Ministers Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica, with support from CARICOM, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Brazil, and the United Nations (UN).
Key provisions of the Argyle Declaration include a commitment to non-aggression, the peaceful resolution framework and the establishment of a joint commission comprising Foreign Ministers and technical experts from both countries was to be formed to address mutually agreed matters.
Despite this, the Venezuelan regime has been using a number of intimidatory tactics which have been soundly condemned by the international community. This includes a March 1 incident when a Venezuelan naval vessel entered Guyana’s waters where ExxonMobil is producing oil. Khan made it clear, however, that the GDF stands resolute in ensuring that Guyana’s borders are protected.
“Yes, Venezuela has increased their aggression against Guyana. However, our borders were settled by the 1899 Arbitral Award. As a Guyana Defence Force, we stand resolute where our borders are concerned. We are operating under a military strategy to build, deploy and operate a smart, modern and resilient force, not only to defend Guyana, but also to contribute to economic development,” he added.
After years of failed good offices process through the UN, and based on the recommendation of the-then UN Secretary General, Guyana approached the ICJ in March 2018, seeking a final and binding settlement of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which determined the land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela.
The ICJ has already established its jurisdiction to hear the matter. Guyana has already filed two written pleadings on the merits, and Venezuela has filed one, with its second pleading due in August 2025. Oral hearings are expected in the first half of 2026, following which the Court will deliberate on the case and issue its final judgment on the Merits, which will be binding on the parties.