Guyana-US security partnership supporting anti-crime efforts — President

President Dr Irfaan Ali says the growing security partnership between Guyana and the United States is significantly supporting anti-crime efforts across the Americas.

Ali joined US Ambassador Nicole Theriot at a reception on Thursday night at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Georgetown, commemorating the 250th anniversary of US independence and marking 60 years of Guyana-US partnership.

The President said strengthening security ties remains a priority in the bilateral relationship.

“Our security alliance is not only aligned [but] the task before us is to make it intertwined seamlessly, and that is what we are working on,” he said.

“We have a duty to prepare the children of tomorrow, the economy of tomorrow, and to protect this region. That is why we are a founding member of the Shield of the Americas,” Ali said.

The Shield of the Americas is a US-led multinational security and political initiative launched by President Donald Trump in March 2026, enabling intelligence sharing, enhanced border security cooperation, and joint military operations among member states.

Ambassador Theriot also acknowledged the growing security relationship.

“Guyana faces real threats from narco-traffickers, transnational criminal organisations and those who challenge its sovereignty. The US has made it clear that Guyana does not face those challenges alone,” she said.

Beyond security, the two countries’ cooperation across sectors from business to healthcare was also highlighted, with Ali expressing optimism the partnership would deepen in the years ahead.