GUYANA’S decision to deepen its security co-operation with the United States should be welcomed as a prudent and forward-looking step to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, protect its people and strengthen regional stability.
The renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries is not just another diplomatic agreement.
This is a commitment to take a longstanding relationship to a more structured, strategic level, particularly in the areas of countering narcotics and broader security co-operation.
The agreement was formalised at the Office of the President where President Dr Irfaan Ali witnessed the signing with Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Minister Hugh Todd and United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
The timing is significant, at a time when Guyana’s economic transformation and increased geopolitical importance require stronger partnerships with countries with a vested interest in stability, security and development.
But Guyana must enter into such partnerships from a position of confidence and national interest.
President Ali has said the country’s growing security ties with Washington are not aimed at promoting aggression or domination. but it is about the preservation of peace, stability and development, and the safeguarding of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
That’s an important distinction.
Guyana is becoming a more important economic player in the Caribbean and South America and will inevitably attract more global attention.
With its growing energy sector, natural resources, strategic location and burgeoning economy, it is becoming an increasingly important partner to the region and the world.
With opportunity comes responsibility, and part of that responsibility is ensuring that national institutions are well prepared to face transnational crime, narcotics trafficking and other emerging security threats.
The renewed expression of confidence in Guyana by the United States underscores the value of this relationship. During his visit to Georgetown, Landau dubbed Guyana one of the world’s “major up-and-coming” countries and made it clear that Washington wants to be part of the country’s future development and prosperity.
That is an encouraging message, especially if it is translated into practical support for Guyana’s infrastructure, human resource development, investment and security capabilities.
The relationship is also underpinned by economic ties. Over the last decade, trade between Guyana and the United States has surpassed US$25 billion, more than half of which reportedly took place in the last two years.
These numbers suggest the relationship is no longer restricted to the traditional diplomatic or security channels. It is an increasingly important economic partnership.
The challenge for Guyana is to ensure that all facets of this burgeoning relationship are in the national interest.
Security co-operation should therefore be complemented by investment in Guyana’s own institutions and capabilities.
The closer links between Guyana’s National Defence Institute and US institutions, including alignment in programmes, priorities and strategies, can be useful if it helps build sustainable domestic capacity rather than dependence.
Ultimately, the security of Guyana has to be the responsibility of Guyana.
And at the same time, there is a lot of value in having good strong friends. Transnational crime does not respect borders, nor do many of the challenges facing modern states.
Intelligence sharing, professional training, technology, maritime security and counter-narcotics co-operation are several ways to enhance Guyana’s capacity to protect its citizens and territory.
Nor should the wider regional implications be underestimated. Guyana’s long-standing leadership role in CARICOM gives the country an opportunity to use its growing international influence to advocate for a safer and more prosperous Caribbean.
The larger objective is reflected in President Ali’s statement that the two countries should forge a security relationship that can protect ‘the children of tomorrow.’ Security is not the objective. It is a foundation for economic development, investment, education and social progress.
Therefore, the new MoU should be seen not only in terms of security, but as part of a wider effort to create conditions in which Guyana can pursue its development ambitions in peace.
Washington’s willingness to identify Guyana as a strategic partner indicates the country’s growing importance. Such recognition should be welcomed by Georgetown, but it should be firmly guided by its own interests, sovereignty and constitutional responsibilities.
A strong Guyana can maintain both independence and international association. It can defend its sovereignty while forging real alliances.
That is the balance that should be the guiding principle for this new chapter in Guyana-US relations: stronger co-operation, greater national capacity, respect for sovereignty and a common commitment to peace and prosperity.