President Irfaan Ali used the commissioning ceremony for new officers of the Guyana Defence Force this afternoon to reaffirm his government’s support of the US Government’s efforts to rid the region of transnational narco traffickers.

The US military has increased its presence in the Caribbean region in the past weeks as part of an effort to attack drug trafficking gangs from Venezuela that use the high seas. A number of suspected drug boats have been bombed by the US in the past weeks, claiming multiple lives. Some countries have expressed concern over the issue.

But this afternoon, President Irfaan Ali said even as the region remains a zone of peace, it must be made clear that acting against transnational crime strengthens that zone of peace.

“We are not oblivious to the reality, the reality that our region faces both traditional and non-traditional threats. Our support for efforts to combat these crimes is therefore unwavering, resolute and steady. It is a reaffirmation of our responsibility to safeguard our citizens, our communities and our borders. Acting against transnational crime strengthens the zone of peace because security, stability and the rule of law are essential conditions for a truly peaceful region”, the President said.

With Venezuela’s continued acts of aggression against Guyana over the past years, the Guyana Government has welcomed the increased presence of US military assets in the region, and has been working closely with the US Government to combat transnational crimes.

“By confronting these threats decisively, we protect our sovereignty, while remaining fully committed to the vision of a Caribbean and Latin America free from aggression and conflict. It is one thing to advocate for regional peace, it is another to ensure that our own nation is secured and resilient. By strengthening our capacity at home, we create the foundation for which Guyana can protect its sovereignty and contribute meaningfully to a stable and peaceful Caribbean and Latin America. We will protect every inch of Guyana’s territory with vigilance and resolve, we will be smart and we will deploy technology in making our country more secured”, the President told the officers.

The President also said the Guyana Government will continue to invest in the Guyana Defence Force to ensure the GDF is always ready. He said currently, the GDF is the best equipped in its history and everything will get better.

To the newly Commissioned Officers, the President encouraged them to be disciplined and exercise their skills dutifully. A total of 31 Officers received their new badges this afternoon at the event. Six of them were drawn from the Guyana Police Force, while there were four from the Belize Defence Force and the remaining 21 are from the Guyana Defence Force.

The Best graduating student was Cadet Officer Roger Westmoreland of the Guyana Police Force. He received the Presidential Sword of Honor.

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