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Pres. Ali urges small states to unite against crime, trade barriers
(Kaieteur News) – President Irfaan Ali on Monday called for deeper cooperation among small states to combat transnational crime and dismantle trade barriers, warning that regional challenges can no longer be tackled in isolation.
Delivering an address to Belize’s Joint Parliament during a three-day official visit, the Guyanese Head of State said coordinated action is critical to protecting societies and economies from criminal networks involved in weapons trafficking, human smuggling and illicit trade. “Geography places both Belize and Guyana along routes exploited by these networks, creating challenges no single state can address alone,” Ali told lawmakers. “These threats do not respect borders and therefore require coordinated responses.”
President Irfaan Ali during his maiden address to the joint parliament of Belize on Monday.
He continued “Transnational problems demand transnational solutions. It is imperative that small states actively pursue cooperation with regional and international partners who share a common interest in preventing, disrupting and dismantling organised criminal activity.”
The President explained that such cooperation strengthens national capacity and enhances collective security. “Sovereignty is not diminished by cooperation. It is weakened by isolation and vulnerability. Through partnership grounded in mutual respect, small states are better able to protect their people, their institutions, and their future. Another essential pillar of resilience for a small state lies in democracy and open economies,” Ali said
According to the president Economic openness also plays a critical role in development. While openness carries risk, it facilitates access to market, capital, technology, and ideals that are vital for growth. He highlighted the importance of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), democratic institutions, and multilateral engagement, especially for states with limited economic and military power.
President Ali said the visit marked a significant moment for bilateral relations between Guyana and Belize and deepen cooperation in agriculture, trade, climate action, and regional development.
He asserted that “Our two countries possess some of the most diverse and valuable ecosystems in the Caribbean, encompassing vast tracks of tropical forests, extensive freshwater resources and extraordinary biodiversity that place us among the world’s most environmentally significant small states.”
“Our territories include critical habitats that support unique flora and fauna, provide essential ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and climate regulation and sustain livelihoods through agriculture, forestry, fisheries and ecotourism.
“At the same time, these natural endowments carry global responsibilities. Belize and Guyana serves as careful custodians of environmental heritage whose preservation is vital not only to our national development but also to regional and global ecological balance.” “And that is why we have a joint responsibility to monetize this most important global asset. And the world in turn has a responsibility to ensure that the economic value of these assets is passed on to the peoples of our countries.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister of Belize John Briceño, underscored the historical shared strengths and areas of mutual cooperation between the two countries.
“Our future is inextricably linked by our shared histories and the challenges we face today,” Briceño said. “Together, we will unlock the possibilities our peoples deserve.”
The Belizean PM offered to help Guyana in developing its tourism product and in turn the South American nation would assist its sister Caribbean Community (CARICOM) counterpart in technology. “We offer our experience in tourism as you build your tourism product in the land of many waters. Our geographic similarities provide scope for knowledge sharing. Our expertise in agriculture will be made available and educational opportunities explored,” he said. The Belizean leader said “We must leverage our abundant resources, facilitate private sector investment, and reap the benefits of our people,” he added.
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