US open to helping Guyana modernise defence capacity

and other nations. Tensions have eased since a meeting on December 14 in Argyle, St Vincent and the Grenadines where Venezuela promised to eschew force or the threat of use of force over the border controversy

Erikson said that up to the time of the interview, he had had some “really productive conversations” on Guyana’s defence needs and the steps the Guyana Defence Force is undertaking to modernise its defence capabilities.

“What is very clear is the desire to increase the main awareness of the Guyana Defence Force and I am looking forward to working with them in terms of deepening information sharing,” he said.

The two sides also discussed cybersecurity and some steps that can be taken in that area here, given that this is an area that will see increased attacks on security systems.

This year, a number of specialized training programmes will be seen across the board at the defence level, Erikson said, as he pointed to teams that had visited Guyana in 2023 while noting that this will continue in 2024.

And while the US is taking a keen interest in the border controversy with Venezuela, its primary focus is maintaining peace and stability in the region and strengthening its bilateral relationship with Guyana.

“We followed very closely the results of the meeting that took place in December in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The US supports continuation of respect for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We think it is important that we all see what the outcome is at the International Court of Justice, as it relates to this ongoing controversy. We are currently focused, however, on ensuring that the US and Guyana have a defence and robust relationship at the bilateral level.”

And when asked if the US was prepared to send its troops to defend Guyana’s territorial integrity should the situation with Venezuela escalate, Erikson said, “At this point, we see the border controversy has reached a period, thankfully, of relative de-escalation as the parties are seeking diplomatic outcomes rather than military outcomes. We think it is extremely important to maintain peace and stability throughout the western hemisphere... Looking forward, we really think this is most appropriately dealt with through diplomatic and international legal channels rather than military.”

The US is also not looking to establish a military base here to combat transnational or other crimes

“The United States views the challenges from transnational organisations as ones that are not just military challenges, but ones that are also legal and law enforcement challenges and therefore require a holistic government response working with our partners in the region. At this juncture we are not foreseeing any changes in terms of what our overall posture is in this region but we continue to assess the situation as it goes on.”

Throughout last year, the US and Guyana have had a number of collaborative defence training exercises, the last being in early December when the U.S

Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) conducted flight operations here.

A release on that exercise had said that it builds upon routine engagement and operations to “enhance security partnership between the United States and Guyana, and to strengthen regional cooperation.”

In addition to this exercise, the release said that the USSOUTHCOM will continue its collaboration with the GDF in the areas of disaster preparedness, aerial and maritime security, and countering transnational criminal organisations.

“The US will continue its commitment as Guyana’s trusted security partner and promoting regional cooperation and interoperability,” the release stated.