Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo stated that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government has consistently supported regional efforts to combat drug trafficking, while refraining from speculating on potential U.S. military actions in neighboring Venezuela.
During a press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo highlighted the strong bilateral relationship between Guyana and the United States, noting that both nations have cooperated effectively in the fight against drug trafficking. “Even with the apparent intensified crackdown on drug trafficking, Guyana continues to support the U.S. as it has in the past,” he clarified.
Jagdeo emphasized that Guyana has not been informed of any planned military operations in Venezuela, stating, “I don’t want to embark on a speculative course on what will happen because we don’t know… they won’t tell the Government of Guyana first.”
He reaffirmed that the U.S. is firmly aligned with Guyana amid the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela.
The Vice President’s remarks come in light of a recent U.S. seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a significant move given Venezuela’s heavy reliance on oil exports. The U.S. has also intensified its naval presence in the region and conducted strikes against alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats.
U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused Venezuela of facilitating drug smuggling, and since September, the U.S. military has reportedly targeted boats alleged to be transporting fentanyl and other illegal drugs, resulting in approximately 100 fatalities from these military actions.
Jagdeo’s comments underscore Guyana’s ongoing commitment to cooperation in drug trafficking initiatives while navigating the complexities of regional security and foreign relations.
