Guyana strengthening EEZ security through US partnership — President Ali

Guyana is moving to strengthen surveillance and security within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as it deepens strategic partnerships, particularly with the United States, to safeguard key economic assets and national airspace. Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, said the initiative includes collaboration with the United States to build an integrated security infrastructure that will “better monitor and protect” Guyana’s economic zone. “These systems are not inexpensive; they are very expensive,” the president told reporters on the sidelines of the launch of Guyana’s Revised Laws and Law Reports at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Monday. Guyana’s EEZ spans a 200-nautical-mile maritime area rich in oil and gas resources, including major offshore developments such as the Stabroek Block. “We are seeing how we can form a partnership in building a system that can address the abuse of our exclusive economic zone,” the president added. President Ali noted that Guyana’s approach is grounded in longstanding military and security partnerships involving knowledge transfer, integration of assets, and broader institutional strengthening. He said Guyana also maintains strong security relationships with countries including the United Kingdom, Brazil and Colombia. “We’ll continue those partnerships that enhance our capability and capacity and that builds our ability to respond effectively to business,” President Ali said.

Venezuela Tensions Heighten Security Focus

The push to strengthen surveillance comes amid heightened regional tensions. In 2025, a Venezuelan patrol vessel, Guaiquerí (PO‑11), operated within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone near offshore oil infrastructure, prompting diplomatic protests from Georgetown and raising concerns about maritime security. Officials say such developments have made Guyana’s security cooperation with the United States increasingly important. President Ali emphasised that Guyana’s collaborative model reflects a broader regional trend, as countries move to modernise their security frameworks in response to emerging threats, including transnational crime and territorial challenges. He also revealed that negotiations related to the proposed systems are currently being handled by legal teams, with proposals under active review.

Expanding U.S.–Guyana Security Cooperation

Over recent years, Guyana and the United States have engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, including efforts to safeguard territorial integrity and address transnational threats such as drug trafficking and organised crime. Earlier this month, President Ali signed onto the U.S.-led Shield of the Americas Joint Security Declaration in Doral, Florida, committing to a coalition focused on tackling transnational crime, drug cartels and narco-terrorist networks across Latin America and the Caribbean. The initiative, launched in March 2026, is part of a broader multinational security effort across the Western Hemisphere. On Tuesday, President Ali also met with U.S. Special Envoy and former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and a delegation to advance discussions related to the initiative. Senior government ministers and members of Guyana’s Joint Services also participated in the engagement, as the country continues efforts to strengthen national security and protect its rapidly expanding offshore energy sector.