Caribbean countries should not fear US involvement in anti-drugs operation – President Ali says region will remain a zone of peace

President Irfaan Ali on Friday reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to regional peace and security, rejecting suggestions that Caribbean nations should fear U.S. involvement in joint anti-drug operations.

Ali told reporters his government would do “everything necessary” to protect Guyana’s people and borders while working with allies to combat drug trafficking and transnational crime.

“My priority as Commander-in-Chief is to ensure the safety of the people of this country and our territorial integrity,” he said. “We will do everything necessary to keep the region a zone of peace.”

The president said Guyana’s collaboration with partners such as the United States, Brazil, Colombia and Suriname follows decades of regional cooperation to dismantle criminal networks.

“We have been supporting each other for decades in the fight against drugs and illicit activities,” Ali said. “Our joint training programmes and operations are all publicly known, as long as they don’t compromise operational security.”

He dismissed claims that U.S. actions could destabilise the Caribbean, saying any such suggestions should be treated seriously.

“If anyone says the Caribbean should be afraid, they should be called in for questioning,” Ali said. “That would mean they have information suggesting some harm would come to the region.”

His comments came after U.S. authorities confirmed that several recently intercepted vessels in Caribbean waters were carrying drugs.

Ali said Guyana would continue to work with regional and international partners to keep the Caribbean peaceful and secure.

“We have a responsibility to the citizens of this region and to people globally to work with our allies in the fight against drugs and illicit activities,” he said.