Guyana and the United States signed a Memorandum of Understanding today which seeks to deepen security cooperation between the Guyana and Guyana and collectively address challenges confronting the Latin America and Caribbean Report.

Under the MOU, the two countries will continue to counter narcotics trafficking and transnational organized crime. It also lays the foundation for Guyana and the United States to strengthen information sharing, increase synthetic drug detection, and ramp up transnational organized crime investigations and prosecution, as well as military to military cooperation.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed the MoU on his Government’s behalf and noted that Guyana currently has an opportunity to transform itself for generations to come. However, he said it is important to address the existing security challenges that confront both Guyana and the Caribbean region.

“The basic element of progress and transformation and security, is always security. So, number one we want to make sure that some of the tragic regional problems that exist with crime, transnational crime, we have a huge problem in the world right now with organized gangs, nacro traffickers that destabilize society, we want to ensure that, that never reaches here,” the US Secretary of State said.

Rubio said the MoU is designed to prevent such crimes from taking root in Guyana and the region.

The US Secretary said a threat to Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, is also a threat to the region’s peace, warning that there will be consequences for such actions.

“The regional threats based on illegitimate territorial claims by a nacro-trafficking regime. I have said this during my time as a Senator and I have full confidence in saying it now as Secretary of State, there will be consequences for adventurism. There will be consequences for aggressive action and that’s why our partnership in that regard is important,” Rubio said.

He said the US will not allow Venezuela with its illegitimate claims to be an “impediment” to Guyana’s right to development itself and fulfill its dreams.

President Irfaan Ali thanked the US for its support and reassurance that it will continue to stand by Guyana amid threats from its western neighbour.

“I’m very pleased at the reassurance of the US in ensuring the safeguard of our territorial integrity and sovereignty. Our partnership and joint commitment to the safeguard of this region from every disruptive force is key to the maintenance of democracy and an adherence to the rule of law. The threats from Venezuela were specifically discussed – their blatant violation of the ICJ order and Argyle declaration were noted,” the President said.

Mr. Ali said the agreement will enhance the partnership in combating transnational crime..

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