President Ali reaffirms Guyana’s commitment to peace and regional security

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Wednesday reiterated Guyana’s steadfast commitment to maintaining Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace, while emphasizing the country’s determination to combat transnational crime, the illicit drug trade, and any destabilizing activities that threaten regional stability. Delivering the feature address at the Commissioning Parade for Standard Officers’ Course (SOC) No. 56 at Base Camp Ayanganna, President Ali reminded newly commissioned officers that defending peace and sovereignty requires both strength and principle. “Guyana supports the aspiration of keeping Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace, but equally also, we support every action and embrace every partnership to cripple transnational crime, the illicit drug trade, and any form of destabilisation that threatens the security of Guyana and this region,” he asserted. President Ali stressed that Guyana’s defence spending is aimed at peace and protection, not war, ensuring that the nation’s prosperity, democracy, and territorial integrity remain safeguarded. He also reaffirmed the country’s adherence to international law and the peaceful resolution of disputes, including the ongoing case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). “Guyana rejects all forms of aggression and any attempt to impose solutions through coercion. Peace, dialogue, and legality must define how nations interact,” he said. Acknowledging both traditional and emerging security threats, such as cybercrime, trafficking, and terrorism, the President highlighted the government’s commitment to equipping the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) with advanced technology, tools, and training. “We will protect every inch of Guyana’s territory with vigilance and resolve. We will deploy technology to make our country more secure. We will be adaptable, smart, and ready to respond, on land, at sea, in the air, and in cyberspace,” he stated. President Ali also emphasized the value of regional and international collaboration, noting that lasting security is achieved through cooperation rather than isolation. “The Caribbean looks to Guyana as a partner in stability, in security, and in service. When one nation in the Caribbean stands strong, the entire region is fortified,” he said. Finally, the President clarified that Guyana’s dispute is not with the Venezuelan people, but with any actions threatening the nation’s sovereignty. “We will defend our territorial space with our partners, those who stand for freedom, sovereignty, democracy, and the rule of law,” President Ali affirmed. This address underscores Guyana’s dual approach of promoting peace while strengthening defence capabilities, positioning the nation as a key partner in regional security.

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Wednesday reiterated Guyana’s steadfast commitment to maintaining Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace, while emphasizing the country’s determination to combat transnational crime, the illicit drug trade, and any destabilizing activities that threaten regional stability.

Delivering the feature address at the Commissioning Parade for Standard Officers’ Course (SOC) No. 56 at Base Camp Ayanganna, President Ali reminded newly commissioned officers that defending peace and sovereignty requires both strength and principle.

“Guyana supports the aspiration of keeping Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace, but equally also, we support every action and embrace every partnership to cripple transnational crime, the illicit drug trade, and any form of destabilisation that threatens the security of Guyana and this region,” he asserted.

President Ali stressed that Guyana’s defence spending is aimed at peace and protection, not war, ensuring that the nation’s prosperity, democracy, and territorial integrity remain safeguarded. He also reaffirmed the country’s adherence to international law and the peaceful resolution of disputes, including the ongoing case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“Guyana rejects all forms of aggression and any attempt to impose solutions through coercion. Peace, dialogue, and legality must define how nations interact,” he said.

Acknowledging both traditional and emerging security threats, such as cybercrime, trafficking, and terrorism, the President highlighted the government’s commitment to equipping the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) with advanced technology, tools, and training.

“We will protect every inch of Guyana’s territory with vigilance and resolve. We will deploy technology to make our country more secure. We will be adaptable, smart, and ready to respond, on land, at sea, in the air, and in cyberspace,” he stated.

President Ali also emphasized the value of regional and international collaboration, noting that lasting security is achieved through cooperation rather than isolation.

“The Caribbean looks to Guyana as a partner in stability, in security, and in service. When one nation in the Caribbean stands strong, the entire region is fortified,” he said.

Finally, the President clarified that Guyana’s dispute is not with the Venezuelan people, but with any actions threatening the nation’s sovereignty.

“We will defend our territorial space with our partners, those who stand for freedom, sovereignty, democracy, and the rule of law,” President Ali affirmed.

This address underscores Guyana’s dual approach of promoting peace while strengthening defence capabilities, positioning the nation as a key partner in regional security.