PM PHILLIPS URGES STRONGER US-CARIBBEAN PARTNERSHIP ON ENERGY, SECURITY AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA | OCTOBER 16, 2026

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has called for stronger cooperation between the United States and Caribbean nations, identifying energy security, infrastructure development, disaster preparedness and regional security as critical areas for increased investment and collaboration.

Speaking at the US-Caribbean Dialogue in Washington, DC, on Thursday, October 15, Phillips emphasized the importance of diversifying the Caribbean’s energy resources while attracting greater American investment to support economic growth and long-term regional development.

“Energy security is a cornerstone of the region’s prosperity and sustainable growth. As energy demand increases across the region, a diversified energy matrix is required, utilizing all energy resources available,” the Prime Minister stated.

According to a release from the Department of Public Information (DPI), Phillips highlighted the need for stronger institutional and technical capacity, improved coordination among regional governments and expanded public-private partnerships to address growing energy demands.

He welcomed increased participation by American companies in Caribbean energy development, pointing to existing US investments in Guyana’s oil and gas industry as examples of potential opportunities across the region. The Prime Minister also noted that the United States remains the Caribbean’s largest trading partner and a major source of foreign direct investment.

“This partnership offers tremendous opportunities for sustained economic growth in the region,” Phillips said.

The Prime Minister identified energy diversification, logistics, digital infrastructure and technology transfer as priority areas for future cooperation. He also referenced the US-Guyana Investment Forum held in Washington in July 2026 as an example of efforts to strengthen commercial relations between the two countries.

Addressing infrastructure resilience, Phillips warned that Caribbean countries must strengthen protection of critical national assets against natural disasters, cyber-related vulnerabilities and criminal threats.

“Critical infrastructure is quickly becoming the backbone of our economies and national security and must be protected from natural disasters and criminal actors,” he stated.

Phillips also stressed the importance of improving disaster preparedness, emergency response capabilities and healthcare systems, particularly as Caribbean nations remain vulnerable to severe weather events and other regional emergencies. He called for greater cooperation in health security to strengthen the region’s ability to respond to public health challenges.

Turning to regional security, the Prime Minister identified transnational organised crime, narcotics trafficking and the illegal movement of firearms as persistent threats requiring coordinated international action.

He reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to addressing these challenges through regional and international partnerships, highlighting the country’s involvement in the Shield of the Americas and the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition.

“Guyana looks forward to engaging in constructive dialogue that strengthens our collective capacity to address challenges while unlocking new opportunities for regional growth and development,” Phillips said.

The US-Caribbean Dialogue brought together regional leaders and senior officials to discuss shared priorities involving energy, trade, infrastructure, disaster management, healthcare and security, with an emphasis on strengthening cooperation and expanding economic opportunities across the Caribbean.