Guyana ranks among Caribbean’s best in maritime security competition

Guyana has earned a third-place ranking in the latest SEACOP Joint Maritime Control Unit (JMCU) Caribbean Competition, scoring 72 out of a possible 80 points, equivalent to 90 per cent. The result places the country among the region’s stronger maritime enforcement performers, tied with Saint Kitts and Nevis and trailing Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, which both recorded 75 points.
The country’s showing was led by a joint team comprising officers from the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), the Guyana Police Force (GPF), and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard. Their performance reflected coordinated operations and adherence to established maritime enforcement procedures during the assessments.
In a press release on Monday, it was stated that the competition is part of the European Union-funded Seaport Cooperation Project (SEACOP), which focuses on strengthening maritime security capacity across the Caribbean. It evaluates the ability of participating units to conduct vessel searches in high-risk scenarios, particularly in efforts to detect and prevent the movement of illicit goods, including narcotics.
The release stated that Guyana’s results indicate a solid level of preparedness in executing structured vessel searches and maintaining compliance with international enforcement standards. The evaluation process used an 80-point framework designed to measure several operational components, including safety procedures, tactical execution, communication and teamwork, decision-making under pressure, and compliance with legal protocols.
Other participating countries included Suriname, Jamaica, and Antigua and Barbuda, reflecting continued regional engagement in maritime security initiatives. The competition also serves as a platform for improving coordination among Caribbean law enforcement agencies and promoting consistent operational standards.
Officials note that Guyana’s placement is linked to ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime enforcement through training programmes, inter-agency collaboration, and intelligence-driven operations. The performance highlights the country’s role in regional security efforts aimed at addressing transnational organised crime.
The SEACOP JMCU Competition remains a key mechanism for assessing readiness and encouraging the exchange of best practices among maritime units. Guyana’s position in this year’s rankings signals continued progress, with scope for further advancement in future assessments.