President Dr Irfaan Ali has praised the United States’ commitment to regional security following a recent visit aboard the USS Nimitz, one of the US Navy’s largest aircraft carriers currently operating in the region.
The visit saw the Commander-in-Chief joined by Cabinet ministers, senior military officers and national security officials as Guyana and the United States continue to strengthen defence cooperation.
The USS Nimitz, which carries more than 4,000 personnel and some of the world’s most advanced military aircraft, is currently conducting exercises with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) as part of efforts to enhance security collaboration and military readiness.In a social media post on Thursday, President Ali described the United States as a reliable security partner whose support is reflected through tangible actions.
“The United States has long been a strong and dependable security partner for Guyana and the wider region. Its commitment to its allies is not expressed through words alone, it is demonstrated through action, partnership and a sustained presence in support of regional peace and stability,” the President stated.
He added that Guyana remains grateful for the support provided by the US Government, military and people in advancing regional security.
A video released this week also captured remarks made by President Ali during the visit, where he commended the role being played by the US in safeguarding the region.
“When the US Government says that it is committed to its allies, it is not only words. The United States are serious when they say they want to be locked in to the security of this region,” he said.
The President also highlighted the diversity of the US military, noting that three crew members aboard the vessel are of Guyanese heritage.The visit followed an invitation from US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot.
In a statement issued after the engagement, the US Embassy said the visit underscored the growing defence partnership between Guyana and the United States.
“The United States and Guyana share a commitment to regional security and prosperity. The visit of the USS Nimitz demonstrates our dedication to working hand-in-hand with Guyana and our Caribbean partners to address shared challenges and build a safer, stronger hemisphere for all our citizens,” Ambassador Theriot said.
The embassy noted that the USS Nimitz is participating in joint exercises with the GDF under Southern Seas 2026, aimed at strengthening military cooperation and improving the ability of both countries to respond to shared security challenges.
It also pointed to Guyana’s membership in the Shield of the Americas initiative, a regional partnership launched earlier this year to tackle narco-trafficking and other transnational crimes.
The embassy further highlighted ongoing cooperation under the Shiprider Agreement, which allows Guyanese law enforcement officers to join US vessels during counter-narcotics operations in the region.
Also among the Guyanese delegation was Lieutenant Commander Clint Venture, who previously spent six weeks aboard the USS Nimitz as an embarked international staff officer, assisting with the planning and coordination of engagements between the vessel and partner nations across the US Southern Command region.
