During the opening of the Annual Officers’ Conference, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali emphasized the necessity for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to adopt a strategic framework that incorporates artificial intelligence (AI), climate resilience, and military diplomacy. Addressing the attendees at Base Camp Ayanganna on Thursday, the President underscored the importance of a contemporary approach to defense in light of evolving security challenges.
In his remarks, President Ali conveyed that the integration of these elements is crucial for assessing the GDF’s readiness and capacity to respond to both national and regional threats. “As leaders of the GDF, you have a responsibility at this conference to evaluate your roles, reinforce the army’s commitment, and outline a strategy that ensures the GDF remains agile, capable, and proactive in safeguarding our citizens and nation,†he stated.
The President also pointed out Guyana’s susceptibility to the effects of climate change, including increased wildfires, hurricanes, and extreme weather, which pose significant risks to national security and regional stability. He noted that these challenges are exacerbated by geopolitical tensions over limited resources like water, land, and energy, which can lead to natural disasters and potential internal unrest.
In response to these issues, President Ali urged the GDF to weave climate resilience and disaster response into its strategic planning. By doing so, he argued, the GDF could play a critical role in mitigating the effects of climate-related disasters, thereby preserving national stability in a rapidly changing environment.
Addressing the future landscape of military strength, he stated that the foundation will hinge on advancements in technology and AI. He argued that national strength should be assessed not only through human resources and physical assets but also by the ability to innovate and effectively integrate technology. “We must critically assess our sovereignty over data, information, and technology, as these domains present new challenges in our global context,†he asserted.
Furthermore, President Ali highlighted the need for enhanced intelligence gathering and the application of technology to combat transnational threats. Strengthening partnerships with regional and international security agencies was also deemed vital for disrupting criminal networks. “We must ensure that these operations do not find a foothold in Guyana; we must seize every opportunity to disrupt them,†he emphasized.
In recognition of the military personnel’s dedication and skill, President Ali expressed his confidence in their ability to protect the nation’s interests, asserting that the strength of the GDF lies within its members.
Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan echoed these sentiments, affirming the force’s capacity to identify threats and maintain the territorial integrity of Guyana. The two-day conference, themed “Transforming the Force to Better Confront the Nation’s Present and Future Challenges by Enhancing its Awareness, Adaptability, and Agility Capabilities,†will focus on operational strategies for 2025, particularly the integration of combat support and combat service support units to optimize national defense.
Among the attendees were Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, and other dignitaries from the joint services.
