Guyana intends to expend “enormous resources” as it pledges to play its part in uprooting illicit gold smuggling activities involving its border neighbour, Venezuela.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali made this commitment during the 249th Independence celebration of the United States of America on Friday.
He told the event, which was organised by the US Embassy, that Guyana was in receipt of the US advisory and would be putting measures in place to address the matter.
“Only today the US reminded all of its partners about the serious threat with Venezuela as it relates to gold smuggling, ” the president said, adding that, “We want you (America) to know that we are putting enormous resources into ensuring that the threat of illicit gold smuggling; that can help empower or safeguard undemocratic forces is uprooted…”
President Ali indicated that Guyana’s commitment toward addressing the illicit gold smuggling threat honours the strong relations between Guyana and the US. He further thanked the US for its unwavering support against Venezuela’s threat to Guyana’s territorial integrity.
On the issue of military and security cooperation, US Ambassador Nicole D. Theriot praised the Guyana–US partnership.
“This year we have expanded our law enforcement partnership with knowledge exchanges and joint activities involving the New York Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigations, and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) working hand-in-hand with the Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Police Force, Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Special Organised Crime Unit, ” the ambassador said.
She noted that the DEA–CANU seizure of thousands of kilos of illegal drugs in August highlights how “incredibly well” these agencies work together. “Joint operations like these strengthen collective security and make Guyana a regional leader and a stabilising force in South America and the Caribbean,” the top envoy noted.
