By| Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News|
DORAL, FLORIDA — Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips delivered a forceful call for hemispheric unity at the inaugural Americas Counter-Cartel Conference on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Addressing defense and security leaders at the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) headquarters, the Prime Minister emphasized that Guyana—and the wider Caribbean—cannot dismantle transnational criminal networks in isolation.
The conference, hosted by U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, brought together representatives from 17 nations to formalize a new strategic era of security cooperation.
Guyana Signs Landmark Joint Security Declaration
The highlight of the summit was the signing of the Americas Counter-Cartel Joint Security Declaration. This document serves as a “clear mandate” for participating nations to align their military and law enforcement capabilities against drug cartels and organized crime.
- Strategic Commitments: The declaration prioritizes coordinated intelligence sharing, enhanced operational cooperation, and the protection of critical infrastructure.
- Sovereignty First: PM Phillips pointedly noted that while multilateral action is vital, all collaborative efforts must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every state.
- A Reliable Partner: Guyana reaffirmed its intent to join the anti-narco-terror coalition, positioning itself as a proactive defender of the Western Hemisphere.
The “Donroe Doctrine” and Hemispheric Security
The conference occurred against a backdrop of shifting U.S. defense policy under the Trump Administration. Secretary Hegseth alluded to a reestablished Monroe Doctrine (facetiously termed the “Donroe Doctrine”), emphasizing that the region should remain free from external interference.
- Military Solutions: White House officials at the conference argued that a “criminal justice solution” is no longer sufficient. They advocated for treating cartels with the same military ruthlessness used against international terrorist organizations like ISIS.
- Historical Seizures: Guyana’s strategic partnership with the U.S. has already yielded record-breaking results, including the seizure of 4.4 tonnes of cocaine near Venezuela and 2.3 tonnes off the Guyanese coast in late 2024.
Impact on Guyana’s Growth
As Guyana experiences unprecedented economic growth due to its oil prosperity, the Prime Minister warned that criminal networks seek to siphon off national wealth through violence and corruption.
“These networks undermine the rule of law, weaken institutions, and threaten the safety and economic well-being of our citizens. For countries like Guyana, situated along key transit corridors, confronting narco-trafficking requires sustained cooperation across the hemisphere.” — PM Mark Phillips
Americas Counter-Cartel Conference Snapshot
| Metric | Details |
| Host | U.S. Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth |
| Signatories | 17 Western Hemisphere Nations |
| Key Outcome | Adoption of the Joint Security Declaration |
| Future Event | Trump’s “Shield of the Americas” Summit (March 7–8, 2026) |
Following this conference, President Irfaan Ali is scheduled to participate in the “Shield of the Americas” Summit this weekend, further solidifying Guyana’s role in the new regional security architecture.
