The Government of Guyana is in talks with the United States and other partners about the establishment of an integrated system that would help to protect the country’s airspace and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The discussions are taking place against the backdrop of the continuous use of international waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone of various countries, including Guyana by criminals.

The Guyana Government has also expressed concern about flights by suspected narco-traffickers and drug planes in Guyana’s airspace.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, President Ali said the abuse of the country’s airspace and EEZ remains a critical issue.

“We are now working on building out a system. We are discussing with the US and other partners on how we can build out an integrated system. These systems are not inexpensive, they are very expensive but to see how we can form a partnership in building a system that can address that, and address the abuse of our Exclusive Economic Zone one, but also our airspace,” the President said.

Earlier this month, Guyana joined the US-led coalition to fight narco-terrorism in the Americas.  

President Ali said Guyana has taken an integrated approach to crime fighting that includes not only the US but also with other bilateral partners in the region.

“Not only with the US but with all countries in the region to ensure that we have a common platform through which we can integrate our infrastructure, integrate and share intelligence, and build a network, a strong resilient network to fight transnational crime, especially drug trafficking,” the President explained.

The President said those talks do not include the setting up of a military base here by the US Government.

However, he noted that Guyana has a long history of military and security partnerships with the US and the UK.

Those partnerships, he explained, include training, intelligence gathering, the exchange of technology and networking, all intended to enhance the country’s capacity and capability to respond to threats.

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