The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) continues to strengthen its role in regional security cooperation through the participation of two of its officers in the Caribbean Security and Defence (CSD) Course conducted by the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defence Studies from March 9–20, 2026.
Colonel Julius Skeete and Lieutenant Colonel Jaime Castello were part of the recently concluded programme, which brought together fifty-two participants from sixteen English-speaking Caribbean partner nations, reinforcing a shared commitment to addressing evolving regional security challenges.
During the residential phase, participants engaged in discussions on key issues including transnational organised crime, maritime insecurity, illicit finance, cyber threats, geopolitical competition, and disaster vulnerability. These engagements were framed within United States policy perspectives and broader Western Hemisphere security dynamics, enhancing participants’ capacity for coordinated and informed responses.
Also representing Guyana was Ms. Ongel Williams, First Secretary at the Embassy of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in Washington, D.C., and Alternate Representative to the Organization of American States, reflecting a whole-of-government approach to regional security engagement.
At the graduation ceremony, President of the National Defence University, Vice Admiral Peter A. Garvin, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Security Cooperation, Christopher Mamaux, underscored the importance of sustained security cooperation in strengthening partnerships and enhancing regional responses to transnational threats.
The participation of GDF officers in this programme emphasizes the Force’s continued investment in professional development and strategic engagement, reinforcing Guyana’s role as a committed partner in advancing regional security and resilience.
