A Guyanese delegation, led by the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, participated in the Fourth Guiana Shield Strategic Dialogue, convened on 25–26 September 2025 in Cayenne, French Guiana.
The delegation included National Security Advisor, Mr. Gerald Gouveia , AA; Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS; Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency, Colonel Sheldon Howell, MSM; Director of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit, Mr. James Singh and Staff Officer One General Three – Training and Operations, Lieutenant Colonel Julian Archer.
The Dialogue brought together representatives of Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, with Brazil in attendance as an observer. Over the course of two days, participants engaged in candid exchanges on matters of regional and international security, with significant attention given to issues of shared concern across the Guiana Shield.
Deliberations addressed narco-trafficking, illegal gold mining, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as well as the security implications of climate change. The forum also considered broader international developments, including the Russia–Ukraine conflict and evolving global partnerships. Importantly for Guyana, the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela received focused attention, and Guyana reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful resolution through the judicial process before the International Court of Justice.
The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration among Guiana Shield partners in countering transnational threats and strengthening collective security.
For the Guyana Defence Force, participation in this forum reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding Guyana’s sovereignty and advancing regional stability through professional engagement and cooperation with partner nations.
