Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan delivered a stern message at the opening of the Annual Officers’ Conference, emphasizing that Guyana must remain vigilant in the face of a rapidly evolving security landscape both regionally and globally. “We cannot afford complacency,” he declared, stressing that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) “must continue to stand guard.”
Brigadier Khan noted the GDF’s significant advancements in enhancing capabilities and securing the nation’s borders, despite an expectedly demanding 2025. He pointed out that the geopolitical realities are increasingly placing unprecedented demands on the military.
“Since our last conference, the world and the region have changed. These changes continue to take form in 2026 and are significant enough to demand more from us in unprecedented ways,” he stated, highlighting that these shifts have intensified the threat landscape for Guyana.
According to Khan, the ongoing conflicts, strategic competition, and shifting geopolitical alignments are reshaping the global order, creating both traditional and emerging security challenges that require “undivided and focused attention.”
He warned that the current state of global affairs is leading to the erosion of long-standing norms and global stability, which in turn presses traditional military partnerships and institutions. “These are not abstract issues…they translate into real and present risks for our national security, particularly where border security and the defence of our territorial integrity are concerned,” he remarked.
Brigadier Khan specifically addressed the recent developments in Venezuela, emphasizing the GDF’s ongoing monitoring of the situation. He maintained that vigilance is crucial, regardless of any potential opportunities brought by regional changes. “We continue to assess the recent developments in Venezuela. But regardless of any opportunity self-development may bring, we must continue to stand guard,” he stated firmly.
The Annual Officers’ Conference serves as a vital platform for GDF leadership to evaluate the current strategic environment and outline future directions, underscoring the military’s commitment to safeguarding Guyana’s national security in a complicated international context.
