PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips is heading a Guyanese delegation to the XVI Biennial Conference of Defence Ministers of the Americas (CDMA), which is being held in Mendoza, Argentina, from October 13-16, 2024.
The delegation comprises Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS; Head of Defence Secretariat, Colonel Ronald Hercules; and other Guyana Defence Force (GDF) military officers.
The Conference brings together defence leaders from across the hemisphere to foster collaboration, enhance regional security, and strengthen diplomatic ties.

The CDMA, which includes over 30 member states, serves as a crucial platform for promoting dialogue and cooperation on security issues.
Its primary objectives are to address shared challenges and bolster collective security in the region.

Prime Minister Phillips emphasised the significance of Guyana’s participation, said: “Our involvement in this conference underscores Guyana’s dedication to fostering robust diplomatic relations, strengthening our defence diplomacy, and enhancing our national defence capabilities. The dialogue and partnerships formed here will contribute significantly to our nation’s security and development.”

The conference provides an invaluable opportunity for Guyana to demonstrate its commitment to democratic values and international cooperation.
Additionally, it serves as a vital forum for discussing strategies related to defence diplomacy, disaster response, and transnational threats.