Local News
Venezuela Increases Military Presence near Guyana Border
Satellite images have revealed that Venezuela is expanding its military bases near the border with Guyana, while also deploying forces to the jungle frontier.
These actions come amidst escalating threats from President Nicolás Maduro regarding the potential annexation of the oil-rich neighbor.
Despite Maduro’s assurances during mediation talks in December that military action against Guyana would be avoided, recent images shared by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington indicate a notable buildup of Venezuelan forces.
Christopher Hernandez-Roy, deputy director of CSIS’s Americas program, remarked on the contradictory nature of the situation, highlighting that while Venezuelan diplomats engaged with Guyanese counterparts in discussions, the military conducted tank drills in close proximity to Guyana. This juxtaposition underscores what Hernandez-Roy describes as Maduro’s “duplicitous policy.”
Venezuela has long asserted its claim to the resource-rich Essequibo region, constituting two-thirds of Guyana’s territory. However, Maduro has intensified Venezuela’s claim to this disputed area in recent months, even garnering supposed popular support through a vote in December.
Despite diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the two nations, the aerial imagery reveals a stark reality of escalating militarization along the border. CSIS warns that such provocative actions by Venezuela increase the risk of miscalculation and loss of control over the situation.
The international dispute is currently under arbitration at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Nevertheless, Maduro seeks to circumvent this process and negotiate directly with Guyana, a move that complicates the resolution of the conflict.
Analysts speculate on Maduro’s motives, initially interpreting his saber-rattling as a domestic strategy to bolster support ahead of anticipated elections. However, there are indications that this aggressive posture may also serve to pressure Guyana into sharing revenue from recent oil discoveries.
Venezuela’s economic woes, despite its substantial oil reserves, add further complexity to the situation. Hernandez-Roy suggests that while Maduro’s actions may have originated from domestic concerns, the current strategy appears aimed at coercing concessions from Guyana.
Amidst growing regional tensions, Brazil has deployed additional troops to its borders with both Guyana and Venezuela. Furthermore, the United States has pledged to enhance Guyana’s defense capabilities with new aircraft, helicopters, military drones, and radar technology.
In response to the escalating situation, Guyanese officials plan to engage with leaders of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) to discuss a coordinated regional response to the crisis.
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Tola Radio Battles Legal Dispute Over Shutdown, Calls for Public Support
Tola Radio VI 100.5 FM, known as “the people’s radio,” has been off the air for 14 days amidst a legal standoff with Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited (CCT). Managing Director Floyd P. Burnett, also known as “Heritage,” is urging public support as the station navigates what he describes as a targeted attack on freedom of speech and locally-owned businesses.
Mr. Burnett alleges that despite meeting all payment requirements and deadlines, CCT refused to accept Tola Radio’s payment and later disabled the station’s broadcasting equipment. “They physically touched our equipment and locked them off, despite written legal letters asking and instructing it not to be done,” he stated.
The dispute follows CCT’s October announcement terminating its service agreement with the radio station. CCT clarified that Tola Radio could retain its services if it became a paying customer, but according to Burnett, his payment was rejected without justification.
The controversy escalated when Burnett claimed an attempt was made to have him arrested and charged with attempted murder. “The public was to wake up and hear the radio off along with hearing I was arrested and charged, but God is greater than man!” he said.
Efforts to secure an extension for relocating Tola Radio’s equipment were also denied, Burnett said. Additionally, an urgent injunction filed in the High Court was postponed by a visiting judge until November 22 without hearing any arguments.
The ongoing shutdown has left eight employees without income, caused significant financial losses, and breached client agreements. Burnett criticized government officials for their lack of action, accusing them of failing to address the issue despite the government being a major client of CCT.
“Like most problems facing the BVI, they can’t [find] no way to help us! Even though the government is the tower people’s biggest client,” Burnett remarked.
Burnett is calling on the public to boycott CCT in protest. “Plug out the phone, plug out the chip, don’t pay your bill! We need to make a statement to corporate BVI today!” he urged.
He framed the situation as a broader fight for “freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of information,” asserting that the attack on Tola Radio sets a dangerous precedent for other local businesses.
Despite the challenges, Burnett assured Tola Radio’s listeners and partners that the station will resume broadcasting soon. “We will be back on air shortly, hopefully before the day is out,” he promised.
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