UNITED States and British authorities have jumped into action after a new massing of Venezuelan military power near the disputed border with Guyana.
The two western powerhouses are quietly strengthening Guyana’s defence capabilities in the face of Venezuela’s shock offensive.
Several American agencies, including the Center for Strategic and International Studies, confirmed that Venezuela is conducting drills and building capacity close to the contested mineral-rich Essequibo region.
The US considers the action to be an act of provocation that could lead to a breach of the December 3 Argyle Declaration, according to diplomatic sources.
Britain, which has a warship with 30-millimetre cannons in Guyana’s waters, is offering more support.
US agencies took extensive satellite images of Venezuela’s military operations close to Guyana’s eastern border and the increasing presence on nearby Ankoko Island.
American organisations revealed that Venezuela is improving its roads and other infrastructure in that area.
In turn, the US is expected to buy modern helicopters and drones and institute radar technology for Guyana.
Senior US security officials Jon Finer and Juan Gonzalez recently held discussions in Georgetown on improving Guyana’s defence system.
US diplomatic sources stressed that the support is meant to reinforce Guyana’s ability to defend its territory.
Britain’s HMS Trent is conducting military exercises with Guyana’s defence force.
Guyana is receiving “wide-ranging assistance” from the United States and Britain, sources said.
The increase in tensions has raised concerns by both the US and Britain that Venezuela is aiming to flout the Argyle Declaration and make a grab for the Essequibo area.
The agreement states that Guyana and Venezuela “will not threaten or use force against one another in any circumstances.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is being kept up to date on developments, sources said, and may speak publicly on the issue “at the appropriate time.”
Blinken called Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali in December and reaffirmed the US’ unwavering support for the country’s sovereignty.
Venezuela’s military action is taking place while that country is facing the re-imposition of economic sanctions over the banning of opposition presidential candidate Maria Corina Machado from this year’s election.
Ms. Machado was prohibited by the Supreme Court, which is controlled by Venezuela’s authoritarian leader Nicholas Maduro.
There is speculation on whether the sanctions will affect monetising of the rich Dragon Gas field, a joint project with Trinidad and Tobago and an economic lifeline for the administration of Dr. Keith Rowley.
The Guyana-Venezuela dispute and the Maduro-inspired ban on Machado have led to greater US presence in those countries and the southern Caribbean.
Senior US defence officials recently held discussions with Rowley in Washington on drug and gun transshipment.
At least six US security and military agencies are based in Port of Spain and are actively involved in the counter-offensive against illicit trafficking.
The increased activity is handing a diplomatic boost to the US, which until recently was accused by Caribbean leaders of taking this part of the world “for granted.”
China has economic and military interests in the Caribbean and Latin America, which it has been developing through selected Belt and Road Initiative projects and business investments.
The recent launch of the US $133 million Phoenix Park Industrial Estate, on 133 acres of land off Couva is a major Chinese success story.
Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei is expanding its footprint in T&T.
