Commonwealth _ Guyana’s government has expressed its intent to collaborate with the United States in enhancing its defense capabilities, citing concerns about the potential threat from Venezuela over a disputed region in western Guyana abundant in minerals and oil.
Following two days of discussions involving high-ranking Guyanese officials and Daniel P. Erikson, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Western Hemisphere, who visited Guyana for talks on defense and security partnerships, an official statement disclosed that the U.S. would assist Guyana in developing a more organized and well-equipped military in the upcoming months. Specific details of the assistance were not disclosed by Erikson.
The talks concluded late on Tuesday, with Erikson confirming that security forces and specialized training teams that had visited Guyana in the past year would continue to do so in 2024. Erikson highlighted Guyana’s aspiration to modernize its defense capabilities, emphasizing that discussions covered aspects such as scope, capability, and cybersecurity.
Erikson underlined the importance of ensuring Guyana’s defense capacity expansion is strategic, aligned with overall defense institutions, and sustainable over time. He characterized the talks as productive and conveyed the U.S.’s understanding of the necessary steps for enhancing Guyana’s defense capabilities. “We eagerly anticipate collaborating with them, particularly in enhancing information sharing,” Erikson stated. “We acknowledge that Guyana is at a pivotal juncture in its economic development and regional role. Consequently, we aim to ensure that our defense relationship with Guyana aligns with the evolving circumstances in the country.” Erikson’s visit coincided with escalating tensions following a century-old dispute over Guyana’s Essequibo region. In December, Venezuela conducted a referendum claiming sovereignty over an area that constitutes two-thirds of Guyana, further intensifying the longstanding disagreement. Tensions persisted until late last year when President Irfaan Ali of Guyana and President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela engaged in discussions on the eastern Caribbean Island of St. Vincent. This emergency mediation meeting, facilitated by regional leaders, aimed to prevent further escalation. Post-meeting, both parties agreed to avoid the use of force, yet the territorial dispute remains unresolved.
Venezuela has consistently claimed territorial rights over Essequibo, asserting that it was historically part of its territory during the Spanish colonial period. The basis for their claim is rooted in the contention that the 1966 Geneva agreement, involving Venezuela, Britain, and the then-British Guiana (now Guyana), annulled a border established in 1899 by international arbitrators. The escalation of Venezuela’s assertiveness regarding Essequibo intensified notably after the discovery of substantial oil and gas reserves off Guyana’s coast by American oil giant ExxonMobil and its consortium partners in 2015. With daily oil production nearing 600,000 barrels and anticipated growth, the economic stakes have heightened the geopolitical tensions.
During the peak of tension leading up to Venezuela’s December referendum, the U.S. and Guyana collaborated on routine joint overflights near the border region. Additionally, Guyana hosted joint military exercises involving the U.S. and other Caribbean nations in July. Late last year, the presence of a British warship in Guyana prompted Venezuela to initiate military exercises near the disputed territory. The UK Defence Ministry clarified that the warship’s visit was part of broader regional engagements and involved training exercises with Guyana’s military. While tensions have somewhat eased this month, diplomatic discussions between Guyana and Venezuela are slated to continue later in the year in Brazil. This follows recent developments, including military exercises and joint engagements, reflecting the complex interplay of geopolitical and economic factors in the region.
