March 6, 2026
PM Phillips signals deeper security co-operation with U.S., hemispheric partners
GUYANA has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional security and defence co-operation with the United States and other hemispheric partners during the inaugural Americas Counter Cartel Conference held on Thursday at the United States Southern Command headquarters in Florida.
Speaking alongside regional and international leaders, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips underscored Guyana’s intention to play an active role in coordinated efforts to combat narco-trafficking, narco-terrorism and other forms of transnational organised crime across the Western Hemisphere.
The Prime Minister highlighted the strong and expanding strategic partnership between Guyana and the United States, noting that the relationship continues to deepen through capacity building, joint military exercises, policy engagements and technical co-operation.
“Guyana and the United States share a strong and expanded strategic partnership built on mutual trust and robust defence and security co-operation. Through capacity building, joint exercises and policy and technical engagements, our countries have worked closely together to combat narco-trafficking and other forms of transnational crime,” Phillips said.
He warned that the growing reach of criminal cartels, gangs and other transnational networks presents a serious threat to regional peace and stability.
“These networks undermine the rule of law, weaken institutions and threaten the safety and economic well-being of our citizens. For countries like Guyana, located along important maritime and regional transit corridors, addressing narco-trafficking and narco-terrorism requires strong co-operation among our nations,” he said.
Phillips stressed that the evolving nature of organised crime demands stronger intelligence sharing, enhanced operational coordination and improved defence capabilities across the hemisphere, while maintaining respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.These threats demand coordinated intelligence sharing, enhanced operational co-operation and strengthened defence capabilities across the hemisphere while continuing to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every state as our region continues to grow economically and strategically,” he added.
He also emphasised that deeper partnerships are essential to safeguarding critical infrastructure, strengthening national institutions and building resilience against emerging security threats.
“Through deeper co-operation and partnership, we can ensure that our hemisphere remains safe, secure and a true zone of peace,” the Prime Minister said.
Guyana welcomed the adoption of the conference’s joint security declaration and signalled its readiness to join the emerging regional coalition aimed at dismantling narco-terrorism networks.Phillips noted that the Government has positioned Guyana as a reliable partner in advancing the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere.
Meanwhile, United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, emphasised the importance of secure borders and unhindered access to trade routes and strategic territory as key pillars for continued industrial growth and regional stability.“No external power will interfere in this hemisphere. Ours should be a region of strong sovereign nations,” Hegseth said.
The conference builds on the landmark Memorandum of Understanding signed in March 2025 during the inaugural visit to Guyana by United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
That agreement outlined expanded co-operation between the two countries to counter narcotics trafficking, dismantle transnational criminal organisations and strengthen Guyana’s role as a regional security partner.
According to the United States Department of State’s 2025 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Guyana has demonstrated a strong commitment to collaborating with international partners in tackling drug trafficking and related crimes.The report noted that several government agencies, including the Ministries of Home Affairs, Education, Health, and Human Services and Social Security, are involved in the country’s national response to drug-related offences.
It also referenced the launch of the National Defence Institute in September 2024, an initiative designed to strengthen national security expertise through collaboration with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and United States defence institutions.
Additionally, the report highlighted Guyana’s joint efforts with U.S. law-enforcement agencies to increase drug seizures in 2024, particularly cocaine.
During that year, Guyana seized more than four tonnes of cocaine during a joint operation at an airstrip near the border with Venezuela and intercepted a semi-submersible vessel off its coast carrying approximately 2.3 tonnes of cocaine.
The INCSR report further noted that Guyana’s National Drug Strategy 2022–2026 provides the policy framework guiding the country’s anti-drug efforts, focusing on interdiction, prevention, treatment and anti-money-laundering initiatives.
Source: Guyana Chronicle
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