Guyana, Suriname & French Guiana develop ‘master plan’ on security, defence

Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana have signed a common security master plan as part of efforts to strengthen security and defence among the three countries.

This is according to a press release sent out by the Office of the Prime Minister on Monday evening. The discussion centered on joint security threats and challenges facing the countries.

According to the release, a high-level delegation from Guyana participated in the first edition of the Guiana Shield Strategic Dialogue held from August 25 to 27 in Cayenne, French Guiana.

Importantly, it was noted that the discussion centered on joint security threats and challenges facing the countries.

The Guyanese delegation was led by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips. Accompanying the Prime Minister was Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn and Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Brigadier Godfrey Bess.

Additionally, National Security Advisor to the President, Captain Gerry Gouveia; Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency Colonel Omar Khan, Director of Customs Anti-Narcotic Agency (CANU) James Singh, Staff Officer of the GDF Lieutenant Colonel Andy Pompey, Aide to the Chief of Staff, Captain Rondell Douglas and Aide to the Prime Minister Captain Godwin Cameron were also part of the visiting delegation.

According to the release, the dialogue held among the three countries underscored the importance of the shared understanding of the regional strategic defence and security environment.

Focus was also given to how the countries can collaborate and structure their operational and technical cooperation in the fight against the security threats and other challenges facing the populations, territories, maritime space and interests.

Within the framework of the Guiana Shield Strategic Dialogue on security and defence and to develop a common security masterplan, the dialogue agreed on:

1. Exchanging views and working closely on technical and operational areas, including increased joined land, and sea patrol missions;
2. Striving for a global and coordinated approach against illicit trafficking and serious crimes, including drugs trafficking, illegal gold mining, environmental crimes and irregular immigration with a focus on anticipation, threat assessment, prevention and;
3. Response and increasing joint attention to the environment and climate change, including security and defence impact on climate change and to help safeguard essential conditions for peace and sustainable development.

Subsequently, a master plan was signed among the three countries.