I have listened with interest to the recent remarks by United States Ambassador to Guyana, Her Excellency Nicole Theriot, who described the relationship between Guyana and the United States of America as a “50/50” partnership, emphasising that it is built on mutual respect rather than dominance. Her statement provides an important opportunity for Guyanese to reflect on the depth of this relationship, the benefits it has brought to our country, and the opportunities that lie ahead.
I agree that a genuine partnership must be founded on mutual respect, shared interests and a recognition of each country’s sovereignty. However, I believe that we must also be prepared to acknowledge the significant contributions the United States has made, and continues to make, towards Guyana’s development, security and international standing.
Over the years, the United States has supported Guyana through diplomatic engagement, security cooperation, law enforcement collaboration, training, investment and development initiatives. Its cooperation with the Guyana Defence Force and other national security agencies has helped strengthen our capacity to confront transnational crime, narcotics trafficking and other emerging security threats.
These contributions deserve recognition. A meaningful partnership is not measured solely by the language used to describe it, but also by the practical results it delivers to the people of both nations.
It is against this background that I believe the Government of Guyana should seriously consider inviting the United States to establish a military base or an appropriately structured joint military facility on Guyanese soil.
Such a proposal should not be viewed as an abandonment of our independence or an invitation for a foreign power to dictate our national affairs. Rather, it should be approached as a strategic security arrangement, negotiated transparently and grounded in respect for Guyana’s sovereignty, constitutional framework and national interests.
Guyana occupies a strategically important position on the northern coast of South America, with direct links to the Caribbean and access to the Atlantic Ocean. Our growing economy, expanding energy sector, extensive maritime territory and regional responsibilities make national security an increasingly important priority.
The threats confronting our region do not respect national borders. Drug trafficking, organised criminal networks, illegal arms movements, maritime insecurity and other transnational threats require greater cooperation among regional governments and their international partners.
A United States military facility, if carefully negotiated and appropriately governed, could provide opportunities for enhanced intelligence-sharing, joint training, maritime surveillance, airspace monitoring, disaster response and coordinated operations against transnational criminal networks. It could also support humanitarian assistance and emergency response during natural disasters, which continue to pose serious challenges to the Caribbean.
Such an arrangement could strengthen Guyana’s defence capabilities while contributing to the wider security of the Caribbean and South America.
The objective must be to strengthen Guyana, not to create unnecessary tensions with our neighbours. Our country should remain committed to peaceful diplomacy while ensuring that we possess the capabilities and partnerships necessary to protect our territory and people.
President Irfaan Ali now has an opportunity to translate the growing relationship between Georgetown and Washington into practical and lasting security benefits.
On October 21, 2026, President Irfaan Ali met with United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. During the meeting, both leaders signed a Joint Declaration for an Enhanced Defense Partnership, aimed at strengthening bilateral defence cooperation through sustained defence expertise, multidomain training, and joint military exercises with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). The agreement also seeks to enhance Guyana’s capacity to monitor, detect, and respond effectively to security threats within and around its national territory.
What further concrete measures will follow?
I believe the time has come for President Ali and his administration to initiate formal discussions with the United States Government about the feasibility of establishing a joint military facility or other permanent defence presence in Guyana. Such discussions should assess whether the arrangement would deliver measurable improvements in our national defence, regional stability and protection of our territorial integrity.
The October 21 declaration should be treated as a starting point for further engagement, not the conclusion of our security discussions. If both governments share the determination to strengthen regional security, then a structured examination of this proposal would be a logical next step.
I also wish to take this opportunity to compliment Ambassador Nicole Theriot for her diplomatic service and engagement in Guyana. Diplomacy requires patience, professionalism, an understanding of different national interests and the ability to build trust between governments and peoples. Ambassador Theriot’s public emphasis on partnership and mutual respect reinforces the importance of maintaining constructive relations between Guyana and the United States.
I commend her efforts to advance bilateral engagement and encourage continued cooperation in areas that directly affect the lives and security of ordinary Guyanese.
At the same time, a strong partnership must remain open to serious policy discussions. Proposals for enhanced defence cooperation should be considered on their merits, with both countries identifying practical ways to protect their interests and contribute to regional stability.
Guyana is experiencing a period of profound economic and strategic change. With that change comes a greater responsibility to protect our national assets, secure our maritime territory, strengthen our defence institutions and contribute meaningfully to peace throughout the region.
We should not assume that economic growth alone guarantees national security. Our development must be accompanied by sound defence planning, modern capabilities, effective institutions and reliable international partnerships.
The United States has demonstrated a willingness to deepen its engagement with Guyana. Guyana, in turn, should be prepared to examine bold but carefully considered proposals that could advance our national interests.
A military facility is not the only way to achieve these objectives, and its establishment should not be presumed to be necessary before a proper assessment is completed. However, I believe the option deserves serious consideration as part of a wider national security strategy.
My call to President Irfaan Ali is this: build on the agreement signed at the Pentagon, begin the necessary consultations, and explore the establishment of a United States military facility in Guyana as part of a transparent, mutually beneficial and sovereignty-respecting security framework.
The time for strategic planning is now. Let us move beyond statements of friendship and partnership and work towards practical arrangements that can safeguard Guyana, strengthen the Caribbean and promote peace and security throughout South America.
Let the actions begin now.
