Security is one of the most important factors tied to the social and economical development of every country. This is the view of President Donald Ramotar who told officers at the Guyana Defence Force’s Annual Officers’ Conference on January 19 that there have been many changes within the military world, noting that as society develops, the challenges in the field will increase.
“Traditionally, the military was fundamentally concerned with securing the borders of a country.
That role has not changed.
Indeed, it has remained the principal and fundamental duty of the military in our country for it is the main responsibility of the Guyana Defence Force. However, we cannot ignore the fact that as society develops, weapons available to criminals become more sophisticated, communications is now not only available to the disciplined forces but also to elements involved in criminal enterprises.” He said global partner ship is key to fighting many issues, pointing out that improved transportation and communications have had mostly positive impacts on the world’s economy.
“These days it is accepted that one of the global problems is drug trafficking; by recognising it at that level, suggests that there is a need for a global approach to fighting this scourge. In this regard, the GDF’s links with other military are extremely important. Firstly, the links with regional forces and the U.S. and others in our continent are vital.” The president believes that with strengthened and continued bilateral relations with neighbouring territories like Brazil, the country’s economic standard could be lifted. He noted the importance of security and economic development.
He said government is working hard on the diplomatic front to secure the country. “Successive administrations have worked overtime in strengthening, enabling relationships with our neighbours, Caricom, and further afield. At the presidential level, I will work to continue building good relations with Guyana’s neighbours.” Ramotar continued: “As you are aware, we are already working on the transportation initiatives of South America, and I am most encouraged by the similar interests we share with our continental partners, Brazil, Suriname and Venezuela. I intend to take the established presidential level of Guyana-Suriname relations to newer fields of mutual interests. Our relations with Venezuela remain sound. We have expanded bilateral initiatives which are being recognised as being to the benefit to both our peoples. We have very good relations with Brazil. I intend to develop these in many aspects of our national life and our bilateral relations.” The head of state said, there are immense possibilities offered by Brazil, noting that the country’s recent jump to becoming the sixth largest economy in the world, and its continuous expansion. “… they have much room for development.
Expanding relation with Brazil is very important.
As our neighbor, we must try to make use of the synergies that this could bring to our economy.
Great possibilities exist to assist in the areas of transportation, agriculture, energy and commerce. The relations here are in our strategic interest.” That aside, the country’s relations with continental neighbours can also serve to assist in deepening relations between the continent as a whole, and Caricom, Ramotar declared.
He added that Caricom leaders “must also be thinking of broadening their economic relations to minimise their exposure to economic crises as we are witnessing right now”. “As a result of the difficulties being experienced in Europe and the U.S. many Caricom states have had to deal with serious economic dislocation. Expanding relations with Brazil and the market on the continent could very well be an answer to those problems.
Guyana’s geographical location could serve to facilitate these relations, and help to improve Caricom/South America cooperation,” Ramotar stated.
Government, the president stated, will at the same time work assiduously to strengthen the focus on the integration of the community. “I believe that we have conditions to pursue this goal. Apart from the well known common history as in goals etc, we have all pledged to uphold democracy as the only political system to offer us the change of sustained development.
Working together with other blocs will help to bring us closer together as we continue to pursue the building of common institutions.” Meanwhile, Ramotar said that economically, the link between security and economic development must be noted. He said, over the past five years, Guyana has experienced political stability and better relations with its neighbours. “This played no small part in the growth of our economy,” he remarked.
The president said it is important to consider that the country’s growth took place at a time when its main trading partners were experiencing difficulties.
Guyana, he said has implemented many strategies to improve the country’s economic standing.
He asserted that the people of Guyana have much confidence in the GDF as they have undoubtedly demonstrated the will to protect citizens during the 2002- 2005 crime sprees.
“They feel certain that you will always uphold our democracy and defend the freedom that we enjoy.
I know that the army will be asking for more resources to recapitalise and to add to its capital stock. I am aware that since 1992, very much was done in recapitalising,” the president stated.
President Ramotar expressed optimism that in time, the country will develop rapidly in the areas of mining, large scale agriculture, information technology and medical tourism.
“We are investing in the infrastructure to move our economy from being resource- based to becoming more processing and manufacturing.” However, it was on this note, the president contended that there will be security challenges as the various industries expand.
He noted particularly, the issues of drugs and gun running.
