In a significant move to bolster regional security cooperation, Guyana has officially committed to joining a United States-led multinational coalition against narco-terrorism. The announcement came from Prime Minister Mark Phillips during the inaugural Americas Counter Cartel Conference held at U.S. Southern Command headquarters in Doral, Florida on Thursday.
Prime Minister Phillips, a retired Brigadier and former Head of the Guyana Defence Force, declared Guyana’s endorsement of the Joint Security Declaration adopted at the conference. “Guyana welcomes the adoption of the Joint Security Declaration of this Conference and looks forward to joining the coalition to combat narco-terrorism,” stated Phillips, emphasizing his nation’s commitment to hemispheric security partnerships.
The high-level gathering brought together defense and security leaders from across the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, with U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosting the proceedings. This conference sets the stage for Saturday’s planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and several other Western Hemisphere leaders.
Phillips highlighted the particular vulnerability of Guyana to transnational criminal networks due to its strategic location along crucial maritime and regional transit corridors. “These threats demand coordinated intelligence sharing, enhanced operational cooperation, and strengthened defense capabilities across the hemisphere,” he explained, noting that cartels and criminal gangs increasingly threaten regional peace, undermine rule of law, weaken institutions, and jeopardize democratic stability.
The Prime Minister characterized the U.S.-Guyana relationship as “a strong and expanding strategic partnership built on mutual trust and robust defence and security cooperation.” This collaboration has previously included capacity building initiatives, joint military exercises, and technical engagements focused on combating narco-trafficking and other transnational crimes.
Phillips concluded with a vision for regional cooperation that respects national sovereignty: “Through deeper cooperation and partnership, we can ensure that our hemisphere remains safe, secure, and a Zone of Peace.”