President Dr Irfaan Ali said Saturday that Guyana has activated its national “security architecture” in response to United States military strikes on several military and other sites in Venezuela.
Speaking to reporters, Ali said the move was aimed at ensuring the safety and security of Guyanese citizens as the situation in the neighbouring country continues to unfold.
“We have activated our security plan to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of Guyana,” Ali said, adding that “the security architecture is fully active.”
He said the Guyana Defence Force and other security agencies are closely monitoring developments.
“The Guyana Defence Force and the security forces are monitoring the situation and Guyanese should be reassured that the government is working to ensure the safety and security of our citizens,” the president said.
Ali also confirmed that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett, has been briefed on the developments. He said Guyana’s Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, has been in contact with regional security partners.
“I will share information as it becomes available. Our entire security architecture and posture has been activated all morning,” Ali said.
The president said efforts are under way to convene an emergency summit of CARICOM leaders.
Ali further disclosed that he has held discussions with ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge regarding the company’s offshore operations, where nearly one million barrels of oil per day are currently being produced.
“They have been alerted and we’re working together,” Ali said.
