US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot has renewed the US Government’s commitment to supporting Guyana in its efforts to confront its security challenges, and safeguard its territorial integrity and sovereignty amid growing threats.

At a reception on Thursday evening to celebrate the 250th Independence anniversary of the United States, the Ambassador told those gathered that the United States will always defend the principles embedded in every agreement signed with Guyana.

“Guyana faces real threats – from narcotraffickers, transnational criminal organizations, and those who challenge its sovereignty. The United States has made clear that Guyana does not face those threats alone,” the US Ambassador said.

As a founding member of both the Shield of the Americas and the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, Guyana has proven its commitment to protecting the region, the Ambassador said. He added that the US will do its part to ensure Guyana, and the Region remain safe.

“When Secretary Rubio came to Georgetown in March 2025 to sign a landmark MOU on Security Cooperation, he stated clearly that any attack on Guyana would be a very bad idea. That wasn’t just a statement – it was a commitment. And when President Ali and I visited the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier in May, it was a tangible symbol of that commitment,” the Ambassador said.

Venezuela has laid claims to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, and has consistently demonstrated acts of aggression towards the country, notwithstanding the fact that the controversy surrounding the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award is being adjudicated at the International Court of Justice. It was against that background that the US Secretary of State issued a strong message to Venezuela, warning that any attack on Guyana would be a bad idea.

Ambassador Theriot said Guyana and the US remain committed to doing the “right thing”, as she pointed to efforts by both countries to mobilize humanitarian support for Venezuela in wake of the devastating earthquakes that struck the country recently, leaving a trail of devastation behind.

Noting that the work done between the US and Guyana is not just on paper, Ambassador Theriot said at present they are implementing a communications enhancement project with the Guyana Defence Force to boost Guyana’s capabilities on land, air, and water.

Additionally, under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, the Guyana Police Force is receiving training in criminal investigations, forensic lab procedures, and counter-narcotics operations, thereby strengthening its capacity to arrest and prosecute criminals.

Ambassador Theriot said when Guyana’s institutions are strong, the entire region benefits.

Describing the US as a friend, with whom Guyana shares one of its strongest partnerships, President Irfaan Ali said diplomacy between the two countries remain strong.

“Our diplomacy is at its strongest. And make no mistake our joint commitment to international peace, international order, democracy and the rule of law is at its strongest,” President Ali said.

He said the relationship between Guyana and the US is not one of convenience, but it is one of conviction, grounded in shared values such as respect for democracy, the rule of law, international law, the protection of human rights, and upholding Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Earlier this year, Guyana and the US renewed their commitment to strengthen security cooperation during a meeting with the Guyanese Head of State and the US Special Envoy, and former Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem. Transnational crime, border security, illegal migration and economic opportunities were among the areas discussed.

President Ali said the two sides are developing a robust security alliance built on trust and partnership.

“Our security alliance, I refuse, Ambassador, to call it cooperation, I will go the step further. Our security alliance is not only aligned, the task before us is to make it intertwined seamlessly, and that is what we are working on because we have a duty to protect the children of tomorrow, to protection the economy of tomorrow and to protect this region – that is why we are a founding member of the Shield of the Americas,” President Ali said. 

The President also said the National Defence Institute is closely aligned to US’ institutions and programmes – signaling Guyana’s long term commitment to regional security. He said his country, looks forward to deepening security cooperation with the US.

“The cooperation is not sought for aggressive purposes. We harbor no ambitions beyond our borders, and we seek no domination over others, rather we seek to ensure peace, stability, and development – they are the birth right of our people. We seek to ensure that our sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected by law, and that our abundant resources, the blessings of our national inheritance are developed for the benefit of Guyanese free from external coercion or intimidation. We seek to be a good neighbour, an excellent global citizen and a reliable partner in times of need. And I say tonight, to all those who share our geographic space and beyond, you can trust Guyana to be besides you in your hour of need and you can trust our friendship once international rule of law, democracy and the right principles are aligned,” the President said.

The President said Guyana welcomes the expertise of the US as a trusted ally, who shares its commitment to the protection of the Western Hemisphere. President Ali said the relationship between the US and Guyana is at its strongest currently.  

The US celebrates its 250^th independence anniversary on Saturday. 

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