Govt. vows to stand with U.S. to crush criminal networks

Dec 19, 2025 News

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– Jagdeo says U.S. wouldn’t tell them of their military plans against Venezuela

(Kaieteur News) – President Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed Guyana’s full support for regional and international efforts aimed at dismantling criminal activity and protecting peace and sovereignty. The Head of State made the position clear during a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Christmas Luncheon on Thursday morning, where he addressed members of the joint services.

Surrounded by members of the joint services, he explained, “We are living in a period of increasing uncertainty. We must ensure we are prepared at all times to defend the sovereignty of our country and to join all our partners who work closely with us in such defence and in partnering for a safer world. One that is free from illicit activities. One that is free from all forms of criminality that destroy lives and families.”

To this end, Ali sent a clear message, “Guyana continues to support every effort to end and destroy criminal elements that seek to undermine the peace and destabilize the freedom of our country and our region and our world.”

For him, he believes Guyana is duty-bound to be included in a system and partnership aimed at crumbling “criminal empires”. At the same time, the President noted that peace must be protected. “That is why Guyana remains committed to strengthening its defence capabilities to maintaining a professional and well prepared defence force and to building partnerships with friendly militaries through defence cooperation and defence diplomacy,” he said.

According to Ali, such partnerships promote confidence, reduce misunderstandings and contribute to regional stability.

Meanwhile, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo shared similar sentiments during a press conference on Thursday at Freedom House, Georgetown.  He was asked how concerned Guyanese should be about the potential of a military event between Venezuela and the United States (US) when he highlighted that the President Donald Trump administration has already laid out his objectives for the country’s presence in the region.

“The Secretary of War has pointed out what assets they have in the region, and the purpose of their presence. President Trump himself has made it clear that he is here to fight drug trafficking,” the VP said as he went on to voice support for these activities.

“We support any fight against drug traffickers. We support any fight against drug traffickers. And we will work with the United States of America, to collaboratively, to support all of their activities aimed at blocking illegal drugs from going up to the United States of America, or coming to Guyana,” Jagdeo stated.

The former President was keen to point out that he is unaware of any future military plans the US may have against Venezuela.  “If they’re gonna do this, they wouldn’t tell Guyana…and so, I can’t comment on a hypothetical. As far as we are concerned, we have engaged with the United States of America. They have assured us that our sovereignty, they will support us in protecting our territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Jagdeo outlined.

While Guyana remains unaware of any military action the US may take against Venezuela, Jagdeo noted that the Trump government has already assured Guyana that its assets will be protected. He said, “They (the US government) have assured us, however, that the assets, the American assets in Guyanese waters, or Guyanese territory off shore, and our territorial integrity, fully supported by them.”

Last Wednesday, the United States seized an oil tanker just off the coast of Venezuela, an action confirmed by President Donald Trump. The vessel had been sanctioned by the U.S., and Trump stated that the oil would be retained by U.S. authorities, according to Reuters reports. In response, the Venezuelan government accused the United States of “blatant theft” and described the seizure as “an act of international piracy.” The Venezuelan government said it would “defend its sovereignty, natural resources, and national dignity with absolute determination” and denounce the seizure of the tanker before international bodies.

The seizure marked the first known action against an oil tanker since the U.S. ordered a significant military build-up in the region. The U.S. has already carried out several strikes against suspected drug vessels, which has raised concerns among lawmakers and legal experts. British maritime risk management group Vanguard said the tanker Skipper was believed to have been seized off Venezuela early on Wednesday. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on the tanker for what Washington said was involvement in Iranian oil trading when it was called the Adisa.

While Trinidad and Tobago, like Guyana has publicly given its support to the US, the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley is on record condemning the acts of aggression in Caribbean waters, which she says could potentially disrupt peace in the region and cause a mountain of other issues for small islands in the zone.

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• criminal activity, Guyana Defence Force, military plans, US-Venezuela, war

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