Guyana, St Kitts moves to cement broader development partnership

–MOUs to be formalised during PM Terrence Drew’s State Visit

Guyana and Saint Kitts and Nevis are moving to bolster a broader development partnership covering food security, energy security, and education, among other areas. A series of agreements is expected to be signed during an upcoming state visit.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali made this announcement when he engaged members of the Guyanese diaspora on Friday, on the sidelines of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

“…The historic relationship of our two countries must now take deeper roots and greater structure,” the president said, noting that both governments “have decided that we will have an official development framework grounded in a number of MOUs.”

The agreements will also cover healthcare, security training, and technology, aiming to ensure the seamless movement of goods and services between both nations.

As Guyana undergoes a major economic transformation, President Ali emphasised that the country serves as a driver for broader regional prosperity.

“Our energy strategy is … linked to ensuring that we have energy security in this region, ensuring that when we proceed to LPG and energy, that our off-takers would be the people and the countries in this region,” the head of state relayed.

Food security is a central pillar of this cooperation, President Ali reiterated. He said, Guyana is positioning itself as a major regional agricultural supplier, leveraging its vast arable lands and freshwater resources.

On healthcare, President Ali outlined his government’s investments in building a world-class system. This includes the commissioning of six new regional hospitals with more to come, the ongoing construction of an oncology centre, and the development of a Level Five Paediatric and Maternal Hospital.

Two additional Level Five hospitals are planned, alongside new nursing schools integrated into global certification systems. President Ali revealed these programmes will also be made accessible to the wider Caribbean through digital platforms.

Education, which is now free at every level in Guyana, will also form part of the collaboration. President Ali highlighted the government’s scholarship programmes and indicated that mechanisms will be established to ensure that members of the diaspora and their children can benefit.

In the area of security and defence, Guyana will expand military and police training opportunities. This includes dedicated seats for citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis at Guyana’s internationally accredited police academy.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is also developing a commercial wing. This initiative is designed to support national and regional supply chains, particularly in the trade of food and agricultural produce.

“One of the things that we are doing is to integrate that wing with the supply chain of CARICOM. And St. Kitts and Nevis will be one of the first areas that we want that collaboration, cooperation to be extended to,” the president further announced.

President Ali addressed diaspora concerns about passport renewals, documentation services, and land issues. He announced a special team could be sent to St Kitts and Nevis to resolve passport processing backlogs and help with documentation.

He encouraged members of the diaspora to consider returning home to take active steps to reintegrate into the economy.

“The decision is in your hands as to how you want to participate, if you want to participate, and at what level you want to participate,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Drew confirmed that he will lead a delegation to Guyana within weeks to formalise approximately seven areas of cooperation under the MOUs. He said discussions between the two leaders have focused on strengthening collaboration to benefit the Guyanese community on the island.

The Prime Minister also outlined his government’s approach to immigration policy, describing it as progressive and focused on regularisation.

He also noted that the Caribbean island has implemented three amnesties to allow individuals to regularise their status, and efforts are underway to accelerate residency and citizenship processes.

Both leaders stressed the need for regional unity and making it easier for diaspora communities to travel between the two countries and take part in new economic opportunities.

Joining the president was the Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally.