US SOUTHCOM Commander visits Guyana

– reaffirms US support, collaboration for territorial, regional security & stability

United States(US) Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Commander Admiral Alvin Holsey visits Guyana November 6-7 to meet with senior leaders to discuss the longstanding US-Guyana defence partnership, reaffirm US support for Guyana’s territorial integrity, and collaborate to advance regional security and stability.
During his visit, he met with Brigadier Ret’d Mark Phillips, Prime Minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (performing the functions of President), Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan and senior leaders of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Coast Guard.
The defence partnership between the US and Guyana is long-standing and encompasses joint efforts to counter transnational threats, build capacity, and engage in bilateral training programs and professional development engagements.
US Southern Command works closely with US Government agencies and multinational partners to advance security and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean – partnerships that are essential to hemispheric security, prosperity, and the collective ability to address complex security challenges.
According to the US Embassy in Guyana, the US remains a steadfast partner in promoting a secure, prosperous, and sovereign Guyana and in advancing shared goals for peace and stability across the broader Caribbean and South America.
The GDF on Thursday welcomed Commander Admiral Alvin Holsey on an official visit to Defence Headquarters, Base Camp Ayanganna.
The visit marked a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between Guyana and the US, two nations united by shared democratic values, mutual respect for sovereignty, and a joint commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and cooperation in the Southern Hemisphere.
Admiral Holsey met with Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, along with several senior officers, including Colonel (General Staff) Kenlloyd Roberts, MSM; Military Attaché to the US, Colonel Julius Skeete, MSM; Adjutant General, Colonel Lloyd Souvenir, MEM; and Commander Roger Nurse, MEM, Colonel (Administration and Quartering).
Also present during the engagement were US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot; National Security Advisor, Gerry Gouveia, AA; and Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Colonel Sheldon Howell, MSM.
Discussions focused on deepening defence and security cooperation, strengthening interoperability, and expanding collaboration in joint training, maritime security, cyber defence, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response. Opportunities for capacity building through professional military education and technical exchanges were also examined.
Admiral Holsey’s itinerary also included a visit to the GDF Coast Guard Ship Hinds at Ruimveldt, where he was received by Acting President, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips. During their engagement, the two discussed the continued importance of strategic defence cooperation between Guyana and the US. Their exchange reaffirmed the shared commitment to safeguarding regional security, strengthening institutional capacity, and enhancing collaboration in support of peace, stability, and mutual national interests throughout the hemisphere.
The visit underscored the shared vision of both nations to advance defence partnerships rooted in trust, transparency, and respect for international law. It also reinforced the belief that regional peace and stability remain essential to sustainable development and collective security.
The GDF remains committed to advancing defence diplomacy and fostering enduring partnerships with friendly nations, thereby enhancing regional cooperation and improving readiness to address evolving security challenges.