By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News |
In a landmark move for Caribbean integration, the governments of Guyana and Belize have signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) designed to deepen cooperation across several high-priority sectors. The signing ceremony took place during President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s three-day state visit to Belize, where he and Prime Minister John Briceño reaffirmed their shared commitment to Caribbean values and regional stability.
The agreements establish a comprehensive framework for collaboration in defense, education, tourism, digital transformation, and investment, guided by the principles of mutual respect and non-interference.
Key Areas of Cooperation
1. Defense and Security
Both nations have pledged to enhance regional security through capacity building and information exchange. The cooperation focuses on tackling transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, and emerging threats. Officials emphasized that this partnership is defensive in nature and non-binding, aimed at institutional strengthening rather than military alignment.
2. Education and Human Capital
The MoUs outline a significant expansion in scholarships and academic exchanges. A key focus is on integrating digital learning platforms to expand access to skills training, reinforcing the “people-to-people” ties between the two CARICOM states.
3. Tourism and the “Orange Economy.”
Recognizing their shared status as homes to diverse tropical ecosystems, the countries will promote:
- Multi-destination travel packages.
- Sustainable tourism initiatives.
- Joint knowledge-sharing and diaspora engagement.
4. Digital Transformation and AI
The two governments agreed to collaborate on digital innovation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve government efficiency, service delivery, and implementation capacity.
Global Biodiversity Alliance
In a major environmental development, Prime Minister Briceño confirmed Belize’s intention to join the Global Biodiversity Alliance, an initiative launched by President Ali in July 2025. The alliance seeks to mobilize international support to address the biodiversity crisis and its direct link to climate change.
Looking Ahead: Bilateral Investment Treaty
Beyond the immediate MoUs, the two leaders issued a Joint Statement of Intent to negotiate a Bilateral Investment Treaty. This move signals a readiness to formalize economic engagement and dismantle trade barriers, particularly to bolster regional food security.
“We are better when we are fused together,” President Ali stated, echoing the sentiment that aligned policies will accelerate the national development agendas of both nations.
