GEORGETOWN, Guyana — President Irfaan Ali on Thursday reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to regional peace and cooperation in the fight against transnational crime, while dismissing suggestions that Caribbean nations should fear U.S. military operations targeting illicit drug networks in the region.
Speaking to reporters, Ali said his “top priority” as Commander-in-Chief is to safeguard Guyana’s people, territory, and sovereignty, while maintaining strong security partnerships with international allies.
“We will do everything necessary to ensure that our country is safe and our people remain safe,” Ali said. “We will do everything necessary to contribute to the region remaining a zone of peace. And we’ll do everything in support of combating transnational crime and illicit drugs.”
Ali emphasized that Guyana has a long history of cooperation with regional and international partners.
“We have a responsibility to the citizens of this region and the people globally to support and to work with our allies as we have been doing for decades — be it Brazil, Colombia, the U.S., Suriname, and the entire region,” he said. “We have been collaborating for decades in the fight against drugs and illicit activities.”
When asked whether Guyana is providing logistics or radar support to U.S.-led operations in the Caribbean, Ali said Guyana participates in joint training and security activities that are already publicly known.
“Whatever partnership we pursue, once it does not compromise the security of the operation or personnel, of course, the public will be aware,” he said.
Ali also pushed back against remarks reportedly made by the Venezuelan ambassador that Caribbean nations should be afraid of being impacted by U.S. strikes.
“If anyone says the Caribbean should be afraid, they should be called in for questioning,” Ali said. “It means that a person has information suggesting that there is some harm that will come to the Caribbean from some force. My priority is the safety of this country and our region.”
Pressed on whether he supports the deaths of individuals reportedly killed during the destruction of drug-running vessels, Ali said he would not comment without confirmed facts.
“You call it killings? I don’t know what information you have,” the president replied. “You’re asking me to comment on something that I don’t have a comprehensive set of information about. Can you verify or confirm that these boats were not carrying drugs?”
He added that the United States has stated it conducted verification before taking action.
Ali reiterated that Guyana’s stance remains rooted in law, cooperation, and regional stability.
“My priority as Commander-in-Chief is to ensure the safety of this country, the people of this country, and our territorial integrity,” he said.