President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed Guyana’s unwavering commitment to maintaining Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace, while making clear that the country will also stand firm against transnational crime, the illicit drug trade, and any form of destabilisation that threatens regional stability.
Delivering the feature address at the Commissioning Parade for Standard Officers’ Course , Ali, who is Commander-in-Chief reminded the newly commissioned officers that defending peace and sovereignty requires both strength and principle.
‘Guyana supports the aspiration of keeping Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace, but equally also, we support every action and embrace every partnership to cripple transnational crime, the illicit drug trade, and any form of destabilisation that threatens the security of Guyana and this region,’ Ali asserted.
The head of state emphasised that Guyana’s defence spending is not preparations for war, but investments in peace and protection, ensuring that the nation’s prosperity, democracy, and territorial integrity remain secure.
Ali also reaffirmed Guyana’s adherence to international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes, particularly regarding the ongoing case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
At the same time, he noted that the region continues to face both traditional and non-traditional security threats, including cybercrime, trafficking, and terrorism. The government’s response, he explained, is to equip the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) with the most advanced tools, technology, and training in its history.
‘Guyana rejects all forms of aggression and any attempt to impose solutions through coercion,’ he said, reiterating that peace, dialogue, and legality must define how nations interact.
‘We will protect every inch of Guyana’s territory with vigilance and resolve. We will deploy technology to make our country more secure. We will be adaptable, smart, and ready to respond, on land, at sea, in the air, and in cyberspace,’ the President affirmed.
He underscored the importance of regional and international collaboration, noting that true security is built not in isolation, but through trust and cooperation.
‘The Caribbean looks to Guyana as a partner in stability, in security, and in service. When one nation in the Caribbean stands strong, the entire region is fortified,’ he said.
He also reaffirmed that Guyana’s dispute is not with the Venezuelan people, but with any actions that threaten Guyana’s sovereignty.
‘We will defend our territorial space with our partners, those who stand for freedom, sovereignty, democracy, and the rule of law,’ he stated.