GUYANA | US Gov't assessing need for military base in the Caribbean

GUYANA, January 10, 2024 - The United States seem to have begun to listen to the lamentations of Regional Heads about the continued proliferation of small arms across the Caribbean resulting in many deaths across the Region.

In a significant development, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Western Hemisphere at the U.S. Department of Defense, Daniel P. Erikson, has highlighted the United States' concern over organized crime and ongoing terrorism activities in the Caribbean.

Speaking to the media at the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown, Guyana, Erikson detailed the U.S. government's ongoing assessment of regional security challenges and its implications for defense strategy.

He underscored the multifaceted nature of threats posed by transnational organizations, emphasizing that they require a comprehensive response encompassing military, legal, and law enforcement dimensions. This holistic approach aligns with the United States' commitment to work collaboratively with regional partners, ensuring effective responses to evolving security challenges, he said.

Addressing questions about regional security, Erikson acknowledged the concern regarding the influx of illegal firearms from the United States into the Caribbean. He highlighted the U.S. government's dedication to tackling these challenges, including the provision of additional prosecutorial resources to combat illegal firearms trafficking effectively.

During his two-day visit, aimed at reinforcing and enhancing the strong defense ties between Guyana and the United States, Erikson outlined a series of initiatives to develop and modernize the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). These initiatives include increased training, information sharing, high-level discussions, and capacity building in areas such as cybersecurity.

Erikson also discussed the ongoing collaboration between the United States and Guyana in developing Guyana's defense capabilities. He stressed the strategic and sustainable approach to defense modernization, with a focus on expanding maritime and air capacities.

Erikson's visit included a meeting with Guyana's President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, where discussions covered a range of topics including regional security, food security, climate change, narcotics monitoring, and disaster risk management. The meeting, which also involved key officials from both nations, highlighted the depth and breadth of collaboration between the United States and Guyana in addressing shared security concerns.

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