–President Ali emphasises, commends LAMAT for exceptional service, support

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Friday described the presence of the United States (US) Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) in Guyana as a powerful symbol of the strengthening partnership between Guyana and the US; one that goes far beyond traditional defence ties.

During his address at a luncheon he hosted for the visiting LAMAT 2025 team at State House, President Ali underscored the significance of their presence, noting: “The presence of LAMAT in Guyana is more than a fleeting visit. It represents the embodiment of a robust and growing partnership between Guyana and the US.”

He emphasised that this partnership is not limited to military and security cooperation, but has expanded meaningfully into areas that touch the lives of everyday citizens.
“[This partnership is] one that spans not only traditional security cooperation but extends into the humanitarian, social, and developmental spheres,” the President said.
Referencing the calibre of services provided by the LAMAT team, Dr. Ali highlighted a remarkable case in which the team performed a specialised eye surgery on a two-month-old infant, enabling the child to experience the world with full vision.

According to him, the defence partnership between the two countries is a strong, evolving one.
“We have enjoyed a longstanding relationship founded on shared values of democracy, peace and security. Over the years, this relationship has grown in depth and scope, adapting to new global realities and national priorities,” Dr. Ali said.

He related that the LAMAT deployment forms part of a broader framework of international cooperation—not merely as a medical outreach, but as a reflection of Guyana’s commitment to deepening ties, sharing knowledge, and fostering mutual understanding.
President Ali, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, praised these efforts as meaningful contributions to Guyana’s national development goals and thanked the team for their service.

“[I want to express], on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, our deepest appreciation to the members of the United States Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team for exceptional service during your mission to our country and, by extension, the region.

“Through the work of your medical professionals, you have not only brought healing but hope. You have provided healthcare services to our people. You have shared your expertise with our local personnel. Missions like these are a fine example of modern defence cooperation,” the Head of State said.

He added: “No longer is defence cooperation confined to joint exercises or military operations. It now embraces a broader, more inclusive vision; one that encompasses humanitarian missions and people-to-people connections. LAMAT is a powerful example of the United States’ soft power in action; one that shares skills, builds partnerships, and enhances goodwill.”
As Guyana continues to position itself on the global stage, the President affirmed that partnerships like the one with the US are essential to building a safer, healthier, and more prosperous society.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony noted that the team’s visits to Guyana have helped strengthen the country’s capabilities in both vascular surgery and ophthalmology.
He said: “Because we have very few vascular surgeons… from the report that I have received, not only was the team able to perform operations, but they were also teaching at every moment. And I think that has helped us to build a lot of capacity—not just in vascular surgery, but in ophthalmology, dentistry, and so forth.”

Providing an overview of the team’s work across the Region was Major General Melissa Coburn, Commander of the 22nd Air Force, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia.
“The data from our combined effort throughout this Region for LAMAT is impressive. Over 6,300 patients treated, over 480 surgical operations, 91 pieces of critical medical equipment serviced and repaired including a surgical sterilizer, dental chairs and dental equipment.

“Over 13,000 hours of critical redeployment skills for US medics to make them worldwide deployable and 422 hours of knowledge exchanges on topics ranging from prehospital trauma care, vascular surgery and emergency response,” Major General Coburn said.
She placed the estimated cost of these services at US$360,000.

During the LAMAT team’s two-week mission, under the US Southern Command, it provided medical services, engaged in knowledge exchange with local professionals, and participated in humanitarian outreach across various regions of Guyana.
This is their second visit to Guyana and the first military-to-military medical collaboration between the United States and Guyana.

They provided essential services at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Port Mourant Hospital, New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, West Demerara Regional Hospital, and the Cheddi Jagan Dental School.