GEORGETOWN, Guyana — President Dr. Irfaan Ali says Guyana’s expanded defence cooperation with the United States will strengthen the country’s ability to monitor its airspace, intercept suspected drug-trafficking aircraft and combat transnational organised crime.
However, the president clarified that the security arrangements do not specifically provide for the shooting down of aircraft.
Ali was responding to questions about a defence declaration signed with the United States at the Pentagon in Washington on Oct. 21.
The agreement, signed by Ali and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, provides for expanded defence cooperation, specialised training, intelligence sharing and joint military exercises.
According to an official statement issued after the signing, the declaration is intended to strengthen Guyana’s defence capabilities and support the protection of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Speaking Friday, Ali said the arrangement also supports cooperation against narcotics trafficking and other forms of transnational crime.
He explained that the government is seeking capabilities that extend beyond monitoring aircraft movements to include interception and enforcement operations.
The president stressed that any action involving aircraft must comply with established legal and operational rules.
Ali also outlined plans to strengthen community-based border patrol units, particularly in hinterland regions bordering neighbouring countries.
He said the government is developing a comprehensive programme to provide patrol personnel with equipment, training and resources necessary to improve border security.
The units are expected to serve as an important source of community-level intelligence, helping law enforcement agencies identify suspicious activities and respond more effectively to security threats.
Ali said the broader objective is to create a modern, coordinated national security system supported by international partnerships.