Outgoing Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defense, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, has assured that the GDF is on high alert to respond to the country’s territorial challenges, saying that ranks are deployed to the country’s border regions 365 days a year.

Delivering remarks at the GDF’s 35^th annual officer’s conference this morning, Brigadier Bess said the Force continues to keenly monitor the border controversy with Venezuela.

“We remain deployed on our borders 365 days every year as we seek to defend the territorial integrity of Guyana. Further, we continue to keenly monitor the judicial process at the International Court of our long standing border dispute with Venezuela,” the Chief of Staff said.

Venezuela has repeatedly laid claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region even though the issue was settled decades ago. Brigadier Bess said while Guyana pursues a final judicial settlement at the International Court, Officers and ranks of the Guyana Defence Force remain resolute in protecting Guyana’s sovereignty.

“While the Guyana government is committed to a peaceful resolution, the Guyana Defense Force stands resolute in defense of our territorial integrity

The Chief of Staff said the GDF will continue to play an integral role in the joint services particular in domestic security and to protect the country’s democratic institutions.

“Our officers and ranks remain on high alert, ready to give support and work with our local agencies to address any occurrence that has the potential to interrupt the smooth function of society, whether it be civil disturbance of natural disaster,” the Chief of Staff noted.

Brigadier Bess who will wrap up his tour of duty as the country’s Acting Chief of Staff in May, said the Force is now better equipped to handle both domestic and outside threats.

He explained that the complexity of today’s strategic environment dictates that national security must be seen as more than securing Guyana from external and internal threats but must also involve the development of economic and social plans.

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