As a member of the Regional Security System (RSS) Guyana should be able to rely on the principle of collective self defence if attacked by Venezuela.
Guyana joined the RSS last year and the treaty covers collective defence under Article 4. Since tensions have risen with Venezuela over its planned referendum on December 3rd and concerns over the possibility of it moving to annex the Essequibo region there has been no statement from the Government here or the RSS about the invoking of the collective defence clause enshrined in the treaty.
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) itself has embarked on intensive defence diplomacy which has seen engagements with the Brazilian, French and Canadian armies in recent days. There was also an appreciation event by the GDF over the weekend at Camp Ayanganna which included the representatives of the United States, China, India and the United Kingdom. A team from the US Department of Defence is also due here. There has however been no reference to the RSS which comprises Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, The Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Saint Christopher and Nevis Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines and Guyana.
