US calls on Guyana Govt to get tough with drug traffickers, money launderers

The United States (US) Embassy is calling on the Government of Guyana to implement measures that will ensure persons who pose security threats are convicted and their assets confiscated in order to prevent the continuation of criminal activities.

This call was made by the Embassy’s Charge d’ Affaires Bryan Hunt at a reception held in honour of US Commander Southern Command, General John F Kelly, who is visiting Guyana to strengthen military cooperation between the two countries.

Hunt is urging that stricter actions to be taken against drug traffickers and money launderers.

“Security forces actions must be complemented by a robust programme of investigative and prosecutorial activities which result in the successful conviction and imprisonment of criminal elements. Moreover, increased collaborative efforts must be undertaken to seize the financial assets of criminal organisation and dismantle their sophistication money laundering networks,” he stated.

The Charge d’ Affaires reaffirmed the US’s support to work with the Government and other agencies in order to ensure that the Special Organised Crime Unit (SUCO) has the necessary training and assistance needed for it to function effectively.

On another note, Hunt pointed out that the US Southern Command has played a critical role in helping Caribbean countries, including Guyana increase their capacity to address many joint challenges such as combating narcotics, weapons smuggling and human trafficking.

According to Hunt, the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) has provided a platform for cooperation among the countries to tackle those issues; however, he noted that achieving the goals of the initiative is far more complex.

Partnership and

coordination

“(Its) requires ongoing partnership and coordination at all levels of our Governments, as we seek to disrupt and dismantle well-established and well-financed criminal organisations,” he said.

Moreover, he explained that as it relates to Guyana, capacity-building within the country’s security forces is critical, but not sufficient to achieve the goals set out under the CBSI.

Hunt disclosed that the US’ partnership with Guyana has resulted in substantial joint work between the two countries’ militaries.

He went on to highlight that Guyana has benefitted immensely from this partnership, referring to the donation of the three metal-shark aluminum vessels, communication devices and maintenance equipment to the Guyana Defence Force.

“In an effort to ensure that the potential of this investment is realised, the United States Southern Command continues to provide ongoing, advanced training in the successful use and maintenance of these vessels through its Technical Assistance Field Team,” Hunt explained, while adding that there are joint training opportunities in several professional development fields.

In addition, he remarked that social justice is a key element for reducing criminality and increasing opportunities, which the US has been doing through the work of its Humanitarian Assistance Programme. These works include donation of First Aid kits, medical supplies, clothing and shoes, along with building of domestic violence shelters, rehabilitate sports facilities and supporting skills training centres.

Meanwhile, General Kelly in a brief address stated that the US, Caribbean and Latin America share common threats such as human rights violations, human trafficking, drug-trafficking and infectious diseases, among others. On this note, the member of the US Marine Corps pointed out that it is important that the countries work in partnership to address the issues.

He expressed excitement at working with his Guyanese counterparts to tackle these issues, particularly drug-trafficking, which he said is a cancer to any society.

GDF Chief-of-staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips also conveyed his gratitude to General Kelly for the work the Southern Command has been doing for the local military.