Guyana secures 3rd place in EU-backed Caribbean maritime security competition

Last Updated on Monday, 6 April 2026, 20:54 by Writer

Guyana has secured third place in the latest assessments under the European Union (EU)-backed Seaport Cooperation Project’s (SEACOP) Joint Maritime Control Unit (JMCU) Caribbean Competition, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) said on Monday.

The competition is a regional maritime security initiative designed to test and enhance Caribbean law enforcement officers’ ability to conduct high-risk vessel searches safely and effectively for illicit goods, including narcotics.

“The results reflect a strong national capacity to conduct structured vessel searches and to maintain compliance with international enforcement standards,” CANU said in a statement.

Guyana was represented by officers of the CANU, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard.

The local anti-drugs agency said Guyana’s performance demonstrated a high level of operational capability, discipline, and consistency in maritime interdiction practices.

According to the scoresheet, Guyana earned 72 out of 80 (90%), a performance that places this country among the top-performing maritime law enforcement units in the Caribbean, tied with Saint Kitts and Nevis, and just behind Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, which led the rankings with 75 out of 80 (94%).

CANU said assessments were based on a rigorous 80-point evaluation framework, examining operational safety procedures, tactics and structured search techniques, communication, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure, legal and procedural compliance, professionalism and command presence.

Guyana’s strong performance underscores the continued strengthening of its maritime enforcement capacity, supported by targeted investments in training, coordination, and intelligence-led operations.

It also reflects the country’s commitment to regional security cooperation and collective action against transnational organised crime.

Participating countries included Suriname, Jamaica, and Antigua and Barbuda, highlighting the broad regional collaboration.

CANU says the SEACOP JMCU Competition remains a critical platform for enhancing operational standards, interoperability, and best practices across Caribbean maritime law enforcement agencies.

The local anti-drug agency says Guyana’s placement confirms its position within the upper tier of regional interdiction units, with clear potential to achieve top-ranking status through continued operational refinement.