Following the abduction of Guyanese crewmen operating off the coast of Waini Point within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in their registered vessels, there have been concerns about a possible reoccurrence and whether locals should continue to venture offshore to ply their trade.
In the face of these concerns, President Irfaan Ali was keen to note during a press conference yesterday that Guyana’s EEZ remains open while adding that monitoring has been stepped up by the Guyana Defence Force. Endorsing his statement was Advisor on Borders, Carl Greenidge. In his brief remarks, Greenidge said Venezuela would be happy if Guyanese abandon the area out of fear “because they can then say to the world, ‘look, they are leaving and not using it because they know we are right…”
Even as he called on Guyanese to not flee from plying their trade in the nation’s territorial waters, he urged that they be alert or rather, cognizant of the risks. On this note, the Advisor who also serves as the Agent on Guyana’s case on the territorial controversy before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), hinted that perhaps, the GDF can find some mechanism by which it can stay in contact with fishermen going forward.
Out of an abundance of caution to not reveal the nation’s security plans, Chief of Staff, Brigadier, Godfrey Bess would only reveal to reporters yesterday that the GDF is working with its international partners to ensure adequate protection is provided. He disclosed that the GDF has had discussions with the Maritime Administration while adding that it continues to engage in information sharing with fisherfolk and all those who are using the sea space.
In support of the comments made by Brigadier Bess and Greenidge, two members of his high-level team on the territorial controversy, Ali said that all of Guyana’s partners have been alerted on Venezuela’s heightened aggression while adding that all activities such as oil production taking place within the nation’s EEZ will be protected.
