Guyana on alert after US attack on Venezuela

In the wake of a significant US military intervention in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, Guyana has initiated comprehensive security measures along its border regions. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali convened an emergency meeting with the Defence Board and national security leadership on January 3rd to address the escalating situation.

The presidential office confirmed through official social media channels that Prime Minister Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips has been deployed to Region One, where he is currently coordinating with Guyana Defence Force personnel and police units stationed in border communities. This strategic movement aims to reinforce security preparedness amid the evolving crisis in neighboring Venezuela.

The longstanding territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela over the Essequibo region has added complexity to the current geopolitical landscape. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has expressed grave concerns regarding the military actions, noting potential implications for regional stability during an emergency meeting of heads of government.

Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has openly endorsed US military activities in the Southern Caribbean, distinguishing her position from other CARICOM leaders who advocate for maintaining the region as a zone of peace. Persad-Bissessar emphasized Trinidad and Tobago’s non-participation in the operations while maintaining peaceful relations with Venezuela, asserting that US protection remains essential for national security against external threats.