Guyana and the US enhance security ties

The United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, expressed her support for a deeper U.S.-Guyana security relationship and announced additional funding to help combat crime, enhance the rule of law, and integrate effectively into the Regional Security System. This partnership falls under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), with the goal of addressing shared security challenges and supporting the government’s objectives of building a more efficient criminal justice system. The partnership is based on mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to the rule of law, democracy, and human rights.

The U.S. Department of State’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) program partners with policymakers in Guyana and across the region to deliver capacity-building programs that disrupt organized crime and promote citizen security and criminal justice reforms. The latest cooperation initiative involves providing an additional US$300,000 to help Guyana combat crime and enhance the rule of law. This funding is complemented by over US$2.5 million in regional programming to promote regionalization and address regional security issues with regional solutions.

The U.S. Embassy and INL will also implement a capacity-building program with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to bolster Guyana’s counternarcotics capacity and provide trauma care for officers and community members in rural environments. Additionally, a technical FBI team will be deployed to partner with Guyana in upgrading their Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) at major ports and ensuring interoperability with U.S. law enforcement. A US$350,000 investment under the “Better Police Readiness Programme” will support the Guyana Police Force’s Strategic Management Plan.

Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, emphasized the importance of enhancing narcotics interdiction and preventing drug use in Guyana. He highlighted the regional and global nature of the fight against narcotics trafficking, firearms trafficking, and the resulting crime and violence. The partnership between the U.S. and Guyana aims to strengthen border security, improve training, enhance forensic and crime scene investigation capabilities, and support crisis communications and hostage negotiations, ultimately paving the way for deeper integration into regional security cooperation and attracting international investment as Guyana grows and diversifies its economy.