Former Chief of Staff Best warns there are negative effects of Venezuela’s aggression

By Nicole Telford- Venezuela’s continued aggression towards Guyana with its claim of the Essequibo can create anxiety in other South American Countries. This is the view of Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Dr. Gary Best.

During an interview with Village Voice News, the question of Venezuelan aggression destabilising not only Guyana, but other South American countries was posed to Best, former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defense Force.  He noted Venezuelan aggression is likely to create anxiety in other South American countries. The former chief of statement reminded that Suriname has an active border claim against Guyana, an active land claim against Guyana; the so-called New River Triangle, that has not been resolved (according to Suriname).

“According to us (Guyana), it’s been resolved; similar to the 1899 Arbitral Award; according to Guyana it is a full and final settlement, we believe in that accord,” Best affirmed, pointing out that Venezuela’s continued aggressive stance towards Guyana could be caused for concern in several capitals of the region

The international relations expert noted that the actions by Venezuela would be of special concern to Brazil, and reminded there is a tri-junction border point shared by the three countries- Guyana, Venezuela and Brazil- and that any change of the borders would certainly have an effect on Brazil.

“Such a change will be of concern, so our diplomacy and relations with Brazil will become important. Yes, so I think to an extent other Latin American countries will be concerned, because there may be unresolved border issues in other Latin American countries,” Best added. Going further the former army head noted that arbitrary annexations could embolden countries in the region with unresolved border issues creating a situation that threatens regional security and stability.

On the question of destabilising the peace amongst the Americas, Best pointed out “If Venezuela continues along this pathway as it so intends, or as so it appears at the moment; that is, to go to the referendum on December 3rd and the next move is to actually attempt to annex Essequibo; yes, it is going to destabilise the security of the region.”

The former army chief noted that the Organisation of American States (OAS) Charter speaks to international conduct within the region. Article 1 clearly states that the Charter was developed to achieve an order of peace and justice, to promote their solidarity, to strengthen their collaboration, and to defend their sovereignty, their territorial integrity, and their independence.  Within the United Nations, the OAS is a regional agency.

Best therefore warned that Venezuela’ sanctions would cause instability in Latin America. “We can have a division in Latin America. Those who are on the side of Guyana, those who are not on the side of Guyana and once you have that instability, it opens the room for bigger powers to become involved. Russia, China, United States…and the region to become unstable. Rear Admiral Best further said that there can also be economic instability he said there can be a knock-on -effect that can see the increase in the price of oil; this he warned can have dire consequences for Caricom sister states; a rise in the price of food, insurance and generally the cost of doing business.”

Addressing the growing Venezuelan migrant population in Guyana, the former Chief of Staff said that domestically having this group of non-nationals within the general population in such great numbers puts a lot of pressure on the social services in the country.  Best warned that Guyana could hardly take care of its own population in relation to health care and public transportation and unplanned migration would only exacerbate the problem. “We have difficulties with that, much less a population of uncontrolled numbers of migrants and refugees coming into Guyana so it’s important for us to take that into consideration.”