Ali urges ‘mature discussion’ on U.S. naval presence in the Caribbean

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has cautioned that the growing presence of U.S. naval assets in the Caribbean must be viewed with “eyes wide open” and discussed openly among regional leaders.

Speaking during a live conversation with journalist Kiana Wilburg on Tuesday morning, President Ali acknowledged that some CARICOM leaders see the development as positive, particularly in addressing drug trafficking and transnational crime. But he warned that a deeper analysis is needed.

“It’s okay to say you see the U.S. building military presence. But is there something else going on that the public is not seeing? That is what requires a mature discussion,” Ali said.

He noted Guyana’s strong commitment to diplomacy, even under pressure from Venezuela, which continues to make hostile claims against Guyana.

“Our borders were settled in an arbitral award. We have never responded with hostility, only with facts and truth. That is the basis of our diplomacy,” the President stressed.

Ali said while Guyana strongly supports action against illicit activities, the situation must be properly understood through intelligence-sharing and regional cooperation.

“What is needed is a meeting of minds and sharing of intelligence, so we all have a full understanding of what is at stake,” he explained.