XVII Conference of Defence Ministers: PM Phillips calls for united hemispheric front against evolving security threats

Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips called on defence leaders across the hemisphere to strengthen collective security, deepen cooperation and adopt unified responses to the evolving threats facing the Americas.
In his address to Defence Ministers on Wednesday at the XVII Conference of Defence Ministers of the Americas (CDMA), he emphasised that the region must move beyond fragmented approaches to security and act as a cohesive zone.

“The principles of collective security, mutual respect, and stability that have bound us together since 1995 are not mere historical relics; they are our guiding stars today more than ever,” the PM is quoted as saying in a press release from the Office of the Prime Minister, while reaffirming Guyana’s commitment to peace, international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
He noted that Guyana continues to fully subscribe to the International Court of Justice process in relation to the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela. “Guyana seeks not to be a theatre of conflict, but a zone of peace and a pillar of stability,” he stated, underscoring that national sovereignty remains absolute and non-negotiable, even as the country remains firmly committed to the rule of law and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
PM Phillips also highlighted the growing impact of transnational threats, including illegal mining, narcotics trafficking, smuggling and armed criminal activity. These, he explained, exploit remote river networks and porous borders and require stronger regional collaboration.

Guyana’s approach evolved
Further, he said that Guyana’s approach to national security has evolved under the leadership of His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali, with defence now viewed through the wider lens of economy, ecology and environment. Climate change, he noted, is an active threat multiplier, and countries must treat environmental protection, food security and the safeguarding of natural assets as central to national and regional security.
While stressing the importance of protecting regional agricultural supply chains, Prime Minister Phillips was adamant that “food security is national security”.

Technology-driven
Outside of agriculture, the PM outlined Guyana’s ongoing investments in a modern, technology-driven defence architecture. He said the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is advancing its use of artificial intelligence, digital systems and advanced domain awareness tools to support the monitoring of Guyana’s land borders and maritime Exclusive Economic Zone.
As countries in the region continue to digitise critical public services and infrastructure, PM Phillips calls for greater collaboration on cyber defence, including the development of a regional “Cyber Shield”. He stressed that the use of artificial intelligence in defence must be guided by transparency, human oversight, strong legislative frameworks and respect for human rights.
Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, he added, must be treated as an important part of regional security, noting that countries are also judged by how they support one another during difficult moments. “True security is also measured by how we stand together in times of crises.”
Guyana, he explained, continues to demonstrate regional solidarity through its support to neighbouring countries affected by natural disasters. This includes the deployment of personnel and resources through the GDF, the Civil Defence Commission and Private Sector partners to assist sister Caricom states following hurricanes.
“Most recently, following two major devastating earthquakes and several hundred aftershocks in Venezuela, our Government again deployed much-needed relief support to the Government and people of Venezuela…. These actions serve as a model for what we can do together.”
The PM also reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to democratic principles, ethical innovation, environmental stewardship and sustained regional cooperation. He urged hemispheric partners to work together not only during moments of crisis but also in the continuous building of a resilient, secure and prosperous hemisphere.