Largest U.S. LAMAT mission to help strengthen local healthcare capacity

Guyana’s healthcare capacity is expected to be strengthened through the support of the 80-member U.S. Southern Command Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2026 mission.

This is the largest team to visit Guyana over the years and according to Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, the two previous missions have been quite successful in improving local capacity and pushing healthcare boundaries.

“Last year for example in ophthalmology, there were surgeries that we haven’t done in Guyana. One that stood out was a surgery for a child that was almost blind and they were able to perform surgery on that child and it was the first time we were attempting such surgery.

“These exchanges allows us to learn from the team that is visiting and extending boundaries of where we could go in medicine,” Dr. Anthony said.

The arrival of the LAMAT 2026 mission in Guyana was commemorated on Monday with a ceremony at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

Personnel will be delivering medical, surgical, ophthalmology, and dental care at the Linden Hospital Complex, Georgetown Public Hospital, Diamond Regional Hospital, West Demerara Hospital, DeKinderen Regional Hospital and Cheddi Jagan Dental School.

The regional medical mission is also working to support Suriname, St. Lucia and St. Kitts and Nevis along with Guyana. Over $300,000 in medical supplies and invaluable medical expertise will be provided.

This year, an additional team from the University of Miami will also be visiting to supplement the efforts, Dr. Anthony said. He said this highlights the strengthened confidence in U.S.A. and Guyana’s collaborative efforts.

“These exchanges allows us to learn from the team that is visiting and extending boundaries of where we could go in medicine and I think for some of you coming in, it gives you the opportunity to work in different types of medical setting,” he said.

Col. Theodore Liszeski, the Mission Commander, U.S. Air Force, said the mission is not about one nation assisting another, but rather, about learning from one another and strengthening readiness through partnership.

“By working together today, we ensure that when challenges arise whether natural disasters or public emergencies we are already ready to respond with trusted partners,” he said.