Former Military Chief Urges Budget Increase for Guyana’s Defense

Retired Chief of Staff Dr. Gary Best urges Guyana to increase defense spending amid Venezuelan aggression. He argues that only a small percentage of the national budget is currently allocated to defense. Dr. Best highlights the need for better military resources and expresses concerns over the implications of Venezuela’s recent incursion into Guyanese waters.

Dr. Gary Best, the retired Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, advocates for increased defense spending in light of Venezuela’s recent military actions. He emphasizes that while diplomacy is crucial, greater investment in military resources is necessary to enhance Guyana’s defense capabilities against ongoing Venezuelan aggression. Dr. Best highlighted that only less than 5% of the national budget was allocated to defense this year, suggesting that more funding should be prioritized for national security.

Following the Venezuelan Coast Guard’s incursion into Guyana’s waters, which lasted over five hours, questioning oil vessel captains and inaccurately claiming the waters as Venezuelan, Dr. Best asserts the need for a stronger defense. He argues that Guyana’s government must allocate more resources to better equip the military to delay potential Venezuelan advances until international support can arrive.

Dr. Best’s criticism of the current allocations points out the disproportionate spending on defense in relation to the overall national budget. He proposes that by reducing infrastructure spending significantly, funds could be reallocated to strengthen the defense sector without detriment to essential services. The Guyana government has officially protested Venezuela’s actions, labeling them as provocative and detrimental to national and regional stability.

In conclusion, Dr. Gary Best’s call for increased military funding reflects a growing concern over Venezuela’s aggressive actions toward Guyana. Acknowledging the inadequate defense budget, he advocates for a strategic shift that prioritizes national security. The Guyana government’s recognition of the threats to its sovereignty underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to defense funding.

Original Source: newssourcegy.com