Georgetown, Guyana — Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has called for stronger cooperation between the United States and Caribbean countries to strengthen energy security, attract investment, protect critical infrastructure and improve regional disaster preparedness.
Phillips made the remarks during the US-Caribbean Dialogue in Washington, DC, where Caribbean leaders and senior officials discussed shared priorities in energy, economic development, infrastructure, healthcare and regional security.
Energy Security and Investment Among Key Priorities
The Prime Minister emphasised that Caribbean nations must diversify their energy sources and attract greater investment from the United States to meet rising electricity demand and support sustainable economic growth.
He highlighted the importance of stronger technical capacity, better coordination between governments and partnerships between public institutions and private companies.
Phillips also pointed to the role of US companies already operating in Guyana’s oil and gas and wider energy sectors, noting that the existing economic relationship offers opportunities for further investment and regional development.
Critical Infrastructure Must Be Protected
Phillips stressed that critical infrastructure is increasingly important to economic stability and national security.
He called for stronger measures to protect essential facilities and systems from natural disasters and criminal threats. He also welcomed partnerships that could improve access to reliable digital infrastructure through competitive financing and technical capacity-building initiatives.
The discussions highlighted the need for countries to strengthen infrastructure resilience as they expand their economies and adopt new technologies.
Greater Cooperation on Disaster Preparedness
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of sustained investment in disaster preparedness and emergency response, given the vulnerability of Caribbean countries to natural hazards.
He called for stronger regional coordination to help governments prepare for emergencies, protect communities and improve their ability to respond when disasters occur.
Improved healthcare systems and cooperation in health security were also identified as important areas for regional collaboration.
Regional Security Requires Collective Action
Phillips highlighted transnational organised crime, narcotics trafficking and the illicit movement of firearms as continuing security challenges for the Caribbean.
He said these threats require cooperation among countries, supported by stronger institutions and coordinated responses.
Guyana’s engagement in regional and international security partnerships was also highlighted as part of efforts to strengthen collective capacity and address cross-border criminal activity.
Guyana Seeks Stronger Economic Partnerships
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Guyana’s interest in working with the United States and Caribbean partners to expand investment, strengthen energy systems and improve regional resilience.
The dialogue provided an opportunity for leaders to discuss ways to build closer economic relationships and address shared challenges through cooperation.
Phillips said Guyana looks forward to constructive engagement that strengthens regional capabilities while creating new opportunities for economic growth and development.