Guyana Bolsters Border Defences as Tensions in Venezuela Escalate

• Guyana has stepped up its border security after recent political unrest in neighbouring Venezuela, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said this week, underscoring the country’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity.
• Speaking on the Starting Point podcast on Sunday, January 18, 2026, the prime minister said that while the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has long maintained deployments along the borders with Venezuela, Suriname and Brazil, recent events prompted an immediate shift to an even higher state of readiness.
• Phillips, a former army chief, noted that the government has intensified monitoring and coordination with regional authorities, especially along the western frontier. He travelled to Region One (Barima-Waini), where he met with members of the Defence Board, regional officials, law enforcement and residents to discuss security arrangements. While authorities have not observed any unusual activity along the Guyana–Venezuela border, Phillips stressed that current cross-border movement “is routine activity.” Still, he warned that vigilance remains critical.
• The prime minister noted that Guyana’s priority remains ensuring that every citizen, especially those in border regions, feels safe. In discussing wider regional responses to the situation in Venezuela, Phillips said that while CARICOM member states may voice differing positions, “each country must ultimately act in accordance with its own national interests.” He also voiced support for the balanced stance taken by President Dr Irfaan Ali in addressing the developments.
• Guyana’s strengthened posture comes amid ongoing historical tensions with Venezuela over territorial claims, particularly related to the Essequibo region, a dispute that has periodically heightened security concerns for Georgetown.

(Source: Caribbean National Weekly)