GEORGETOWN, Guyana — President Irfaan Ali has rejected suggestions that the United States is seeking to control Guyana, insisting that the relationship between the two countries is based on partnership, shared interests and respect for Guyana’s sovereignty.
Ali made the remarks during an interview with CNN anchor and chief national security analyst Jim Sciutto, who questioned whether the administration of US President Donald Trump viewed Guyana as a partner or sought to exert control over the country.
- Advertisement -
“I don’t see the US as trying to force us or trying to be a dominant force with Guyana,” Ali said, pointing to regional cooperation initiatives involving countries with shared security and development priorities.
The Guyanese president said his government was pursuing closer relations with Washington because it regarded the United States as an important ally. He maintained that the partnership should deliver mutual benefits and support economic development and prosperity across the region.
“We are a sovereign state and we are working with the US as a partner in development, as a partner in security and that is how we see this,” Ali said.
However, when asked whether Washington was approaching the relationship on the same terms, Ali acknowledged that he could speak only for Guyana’s position and could not determine the United States’ broader agenda in partnering with other countries.
The interview also addressed Guyana’s oil industry and its agreement with American oil giant ExxonMobil. Ali pointed to the involvement of other international companies, including Chevron and China’s CNOOC, arguing that participation in the sector was becoming more diversified.
Sciutto’s questions came amid concerns about the Trump administration’s approach to the Western Hemisphere, including public statements about US interests in Greenland, Venezuela and Canada.
Ali said the relationship should be assessed within the broader context of regional cooperation, including initiatives aimed at addressing security threats and criminal networks.
The United States has also supported Guyana amid its longstanding territorial dispute with neighbouring Venezuela, which claims the Essequibo region, an area administered by Guyana.
Nevertheless, not all Guyanese political figures share Ali’s assessment of Washington’s intentions. Former President Donald Ramotar has criticised US policy towards Latin America and the Caribbean, describing it as a form of “re-colonisation” and arguing that Washington uses its economic, political and military influence to pressure sovereign states.
The contrasting positions highlight the debate over how Caribbean and Latin American countries can strengthen security and economic ties with the United States while protecting their independence and decision-making authority.
Ali, for his part, maintained that Guyana’s approach is to pursue cooperation on terms that serve its national interests and contribute to the region’s long-term development.
