“We will never gamble with Guyana’s safety” – Pres Ali …warns of persons who pose national security threats

…vows continued alliance with global partners

Warning that Guyana’s allies have signaled to them that there are people in Guyana who pose national security threats, President Dr Irfaan Ali has made it clear that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government will never gamble with Guyana’s safety and will continue to work with its international partners.
In an impassioned speech at the PPP/C’s Family Fun Day at the Everest Cricket Ground, President Ali reiterated his Government’s commitment to ensuring the preservation of peace and security in Guyana. For instance, he highlighted that Guyana’s allies have informed them of persons who are dangerous to national security.

“Our allies and our friends have signaled to us that there are people in this country who are dangerous to the national security. Who are dangerous to the sovereignty. Who will put at risk the sovereignty of this country, because their dealings are intertwined with countries and a particular country that is an enemy to Guyana,” Ali said.
The President noted that when Guyanese go to vote at the September 1, 2025 polls, they will not only be voting for continued economic, social and other forms of national progress. He said they would also be voting for a Government that will continue to uphold Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“The People’s Progressive Party, we have worked hard in building partnerships with our allies and friends. And we will never risk that. We will never gamble with that. This country, every square inch of this country, must be protected.”
“These elections are more than just electing the leaders of the political party. These elections are about the safety and security of our country,” the Head of State said.
Further, the President highlighted the importance of Guyana’s allies and friends, to the country as a whole. According to President Ali, the responsibility of a Head of State to lead the people of Guyana, is an enormous task.
“It is not something that we can gamble with. It is not something we can risk. The safety and security of our country, our sovereignty and territorial integrity, protecting this land of ours, requires our partners, allies and friends to be on the same side with us,” President Ali said.
While not naming names, the President’s remarks come amid growing scrutiny surrounding a local businessman’s decision to contest the upcoming elections, despite being under United States (US) sanctions. Ali made it clear that the PPP/C will never risk the nation’s peace and stability by aligning with individuals whose affiliations could compromise national security.
Guyana and its western neighbour Venezuela, which has made illegal claims to Guyana’s Essequibo territory and held a sham election on May 25 for a Governor for Essequibo are before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to settle the border controversy.
The international community has overwhelmingly supported Guyana, with the country’s international partners consistently putting pressure on Venezuela to respect the ongoing legal process.
After years of failed good offices process through the United Nations (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 case is currently pending before the ICJ, which 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.
Guyana and Venezuela signed the Argyle Declaration – a December 14, 2023 pact, but despite this Venezuela has been using aggressive tactics against Guyana, including the Spanish speaking country’s plans to unlawfully elect a Governor and legislative council of “Guayana Esequiba State”, which is the name Venezuela had given to Guyana’s Essequibo region.
In its Thursday, May 1, 2025 Orders, The Hague, Netherlands-based World Court had stated that, “…Pending a final decision in the case, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela shall refrain from conducting elections, or preparing to conduct elections, in the territory in dispute, which the Co-operative Republic of Guyana currently administers and over which it exercises control …[And] Unanimously, reaffirms the provisional measures indicated in its Order of 1 December 2023, which should be immediately and effectively implemented…”