By Mark DaCosta- Concerns rise within our nation as the political party APNU calls for a strategic plan to address the mounting threats posed by the increasing U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, particularly in light of ongoing tensions with Venezuela.
The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is urging the Government of Guyana to prioritise national security in response to heightened U.S. military operations in our region. Terrence Campbell, a Member of Parliament for APNU, expressed deep apprehension regarding the potential dangers to our country, advocating for substantive contingency planning in view of possible hostilities. With the U.S. government now actively targeting Venezuela through military means ostensibly to disrupt narcotics trafficking and other illicit activities, the implications for our nation are profound. The risk of migration surges and the threat to our sovereignty necessitate proactive measures by the government, which has so far remained conspicuously absent in their communications to the populace.
Recent developments suggest that the U.S.’s military stance has shifted from a routine counter-narcotics approach to an aggressive blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers. As of mid December 2025, this military deployment has prompted a force level estimated at 15,000 to 16,000 U.S. personnel in the Caribbean, a significant uptick from the usual troop presence. This surge, which includes approximately 11,000 additional troops, represents an unprecedented military escalation since the infamous invasion of Panama in 1989. Among these forces, about 10,000 Sailors and Marines are stationed aboard various naval vessels, including the formidable USS Gerald R. Ford, the U.S. Navy’s largest and most advanced aircraft carrier.
The implications of such a military build-up are harrowing. Campbell pointed out that our government needs a concrete defence strategy and must address the looming crisis stemming from a potential influx of Venezuelan migrants, stating, “We are concerned about any threats to the region as a zone of peace and we are concerned about the risks to Guyana if there are to be hostilities.” With U.S. naval assets comprising 11 major warships — alongside a number of destroyers and amphibious ships — our nation finds itself on the frontline of a geopolitical crisis. The presence of advanced military hardware, including stealth fighters and precision strike capabilities, sharply underscores a reality that cannot be ignored. For instance, the U.S. has been conducting strikes on vessels tied to Venezuela, with at least 100 casualties reported in the latest confrontations.
Moreover, the APNU has voiced frustration over the government’s failure to articulate a coherent migration policy or sufficient crisis management approaches related to these military tensions. Referring to President Irfaan Ali’s recent address, Campbell commented, “There was also no credible defence strategy, implicitly suggesting continued reliance on external actors.” Such statements further reflect the concerns about the government’s apparent lack of robust planning and its implications for our national security.
In the face of these developments, it is troubling to witness the administration’s silence on critical matters. Campbell has raised questions about the shortcomings in the government’s response, highlighting a void in meaningful dialogue with the opposition on these pressing issues: “These are not issues that the government should take it on themselves alone to address and to plan.” The overwhelming sentiment within the APNU is that as a nation, we cannot afford to wait until a crisis unfolds to devise our response strategies.
The continued reliance on foreign military presence raises apprehensions about our sovereignty and independence. As the U.S. conducts kinetic strikes under the current operation known as “Southern Spear”, the rhetoric of defending the Caribbean against threats from Venezuela takes on a sinister tone, in which our country may be inadvertently drawn into conflict without proper preparation or leadership.
Despite the grave situation, the government seems unwilling or unable to confront the realities at hand. The failure to involve all political entities in discussions on security and defence is a glaring oversight that could prove costly. Campbell emphasised, “Nobody wants this or must think this can happen but it would be prudent governance from the government of Guyana to be planning as though something could happen tomorrow and we are seeing none of this.”
As we move forward, there must be an urgent call to action for the government — one that prioritises the security and well-being of our nation amidst the geopolitical upheaval playing out in our backyard. We can no longer afford complacency or neglect. It is imperative for our leadership to acknowledge the gravity of the situation, to outline a defence framework, and to prepare for the potential ramifications of the U.S. military build-up.
