Guyana and United States sign Statement of Intent to expand military cooperation

Guyana and the United States have signed a Statement of Intent to deepen joint military cooperation, reaffirming their shared commitment to regional peace, sovereignty, and security in the Western Hemisphere.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday following a meeting between President Dr. Irfaan Ali and senior officials of the US Department of War — Patrick Weaver, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of War, and Joseph Humire, Acting Assistant Secretary of War for Western Hemisphere Affairs — at State House. US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot also attended the meeting.

According to the Office of the President, both countries reiterated their longstanding security partnership and agreed that the expanded cooperation would be undertaken with full respect for the sovereignty and laws of both countries.

President Ali explained that the Statement of Intent is part of a broader, evolving US security strategy known as “Southern Spear,” aimed at strengthening defence partnerships across the Western Hemisphere and increasing engagement with CARICOM nations.

He noted that the agreement signals greater collaboration between Washington and regional allies on security and defence matters. Asked whether the signing would result in US troops being stationed in Guyana or patrolling Guyanese borders, Ali said the document outlines ongoing cooperation rather than any new deployment.

“The US government is coming up with a strategy for the Western Hemisphere… so basically the countries and allies in the region are signalling their intention for more collaboration and cooperation,” he said.

President Ali said the Statement of Intent reinforces longstanding arrangements such as the Shiprider Agreement, which permits US security forces to pursue, intercept, and board drug trafficking vessels in Guyana’s waters.

He added that the new document opens the door for enhanced training, operational collaboration, and long-term security cooperation.

On the question of whether the Statement of Intent could lead to a full defence treaty, Ali said discussions are “evolving,” and further talks on expanded cooperation are expected in the coming months.

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Regional crime and security concerns

The signing comes one day after President Ali reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to working with international partners to combat transnational crime and safeguard the region.

Speaking at a reception marking the opening of Grenada’s Honorary Consulate in Guyana, Ali highlighted ongoing security threats in Caribbean airspace and waterways.
“We stand strong and steadfast in every action that will allow those illegitimate actors to continue to tarnish the reputation of our region,” he said, stressing that regional security must be built through partnership to ensure safety for future generations.

Also present at Tuesday’s meeting were:

• Hugh Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

• Captain Gerry Gouveia, National Security Adviser

• Robert Persaud, Foreign Secretary

• Brigadier Omar Khan, Chief of Defence Staff

The Office of the President said further updates on the strengthened cooperation framework will be provided as discussions advance.