PRIME Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has called on defence leaders across the Americas to strengthen regional co-operation and adopt a unified approach to addressing emerging security threats, warning that fragmented responses are no longer sufficient to safeguard the hemisphere.
Delivering Guyana’s address at the XVII Conference of Defence Ministers of the Americas (CMDA), the Prime Minister urged participating countries to reinforce the principles of collective security, mutual respect and stability while working together to confront increasingly complex transnational challenges.
“The principles of collective security, mutual respect and stability that have bound us together since 1995 are not mere historical relics; they are our guiding stars today more than ever,” Phillips told the gathering.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to peace, international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes, noting that the country continues to fully support the process before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in relation to the ongoing border controversy.
He emphasised that while Guyana remains firmly committed to resolving disputes through legal and peaceful means, its sovereignty is absolute and non-negotiable.
“Guyana seeks not to be a theatre of conflict, but a zone of peace and a pillar of stability,” he said.
Phillips also highlighted the growing threat posed by transnational organised crime, including illegal mining, narcotics trafficking, smuggling and armed criminal activity, noting that criminal networks continue to exploit remote river systems and porous borders throughout the region.
He said these evolving threats require closer co-operation among countries through intelligence sharing, co-ordinated operations and strengthened regional partnerships.
The Prime Minister explained that under the leadership of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Guyana has adopted a broader approach to national security that integrates economic development, environmental protection and ecological sustainability.
He described climate change as a major threat multiplier, arguing that environmental security, food security and the protection of natural resources must now be viewed as essential components of national and regional security strategies.
“Food security is national security,” Phillips declared while underscoring the need to protect regional agricultural production and supply chains.
He also outlined Guyana’s continued investment in modernising its defence capabilities, revealing that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is expanding the use of artificial intelligence, digital technologies and advanced domain awareness systems to strengthen surveillance of the country’s land borders and maritime Exclusive Economic Zone.
As governments across the hemisphere continue to digitise public services and critical infrastructure, Phillips called for enhanced cooperation in cybersecurity, including the establishment of a regional “Cyber Shield” to improve collective resilience against cyber threats.
He stressed that the application of artificial intelligence in defence must remain guided by transparency, appropriate human oversight, robust legislative safeguards and respect for human rights.
The Prime Minister further argued that humanitarian assistance and disaster relief should be recognised as integral elements of regional security.
He noted that countries are judged not only by their defence capabilities but also by their willingness to support one another during times of crisis.
“True security is also measured by how we stand together in times of crises,” he said.
Phillips highlighted Guyana’s record of providing humanitarian assistance to neighbouring countries affected by natural disasters through deployments by the Guyana Defence Force, the Civil Defence Commission and private sector partners.
He noted that Guyana has supported fellow CARICOM states following hurricanes and most recently provided relief assistance to Venezuela after two major earthquakes and hundreds of aftershocks affected the country.
According to the Prime Minister, such actions demonstrate the value of regional solidarity and illustrate what countries can achieve through co-operation.
He concluded by reaffirming Guyana’s commitment to democratic governance, ethical technological innovation, environmental stewardship and sustained regional collaboration, while urging countries across the hemisphere to continue working together to build a more secure, resilient and prosperous future.