“We support any fight against drug traffickers” – VP

…says Guyana would not speculate on US operations

Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo has affirmed that Guyana supports all efforts aimed at combating drug trafficking, even amid rising regional tensions involving Venezuela and the United States.
The VP made the remarks during his weekly press conference when asked about the United States’ expanded maritime operations in Caribbean international waters, including the interception of a tanker reportedly carrying a Venezuelan crew as part of what has been described as a “shadow fleet”.
He was also questioned about recent engagements between the Government of Guyana and officials from the United States Department of Defence and whether these discussions signalled the possibility of heightened regional conflict.
According to Jagdeo, the United States has clearly outlined its objectives for operating in the region. He referenced public statements made by the US Secretary of Defence, as well as remarks by President Donald Trump, indicating that the primary purpose of the US presence is to combat drug trafficking.
“We support any fight against drug traffickers, and we will work with the United States of America to collaboratively support all of their activities in blocking illegal drugs from going up to the United States of America or coming to Guyana. That has been a stated objective long before their presence in the region,” Jagdeo said.
He stressed that he is not aware of any plans by the United States to take action against the Venezuelan Government, nor would Guyana necessarily be informed in advance if such actions were contemplated.
He noted that Guyana has received firm assurances from the United States regarding support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“We have engaged with the United States of America, and they have assured us that our sovereignty will be supported and that our territorial integrity will be protected. They have said this openly,” Jagdeo stated.
The vice president cautioned against speculation, however, saying that Guyana would not be privy to hypothetical military actions by another country.
“If they were to attack Venezuela or take action against drug dealers in Venezuela, they wouldn’t tell the Government of Guyana first. They would do it, inform their Congress, and we would likely learn through the media as well. So I don’t want to embark on a speculative course,” he added.
Jagdeo reiterated that the presence of US assets in Guyanese waters and offshore areas is fully aligned with assurances given to the Government of Guyana regarding the protection of its territorial integrity.
Only on Wednesday evening, President Dr Irfaan Ali reiterated the Guyana Government’s unwavering support of ongoing efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and other forms of smuggling in the region.

Strong partnerships against smuggling, drug trafficking
“We have a strong partnership with the US and other international partners in dealing with every form of smuggling and drug trafficking,” the Head of State told reporters after delivering a 5-year blueprint for his administration to fast-track transformation and generate wealth for the Guyanese people during its term in office.
“My Administration has absolutely no sympathy for drug traffickers. Tens of thousands, millions of lives are destroyed, and also economies are destroyed by smuggling… We also see our region as one in which democracy must be able to thrive, in which the rule of law must win every single day, [and] in which the freedom of our people, wherever they live and exist, must be honoured. And that is an important element of any modern society, and we support the region being a zone of peace.”
The Guyanese leader’s remarks come on the heels of the United States conducting massive military operations off the Venezuelan shore to combat transnational crime and the illicit drug trade.
According to Reuters, the US has reported carrying out 22 strikes since September on vessels near the Venezuelan coast and, more recently, in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing at least 87 people as it escalates a military build-up in the Caribbean Sea.
The US has said that the boats it bombed were transporting drugs, as foreign leaders, some members of Congress, legal experts and family members of the deceased have called for proof.