Guyana becomes member of CARICOM Regional Security System

Guyana on Tuesday became a member of the CARICOM Regional Security System (RSS) after President Dr Irfaan Ali signed the Instrument of Accession for the Treaty Establishing the body.

The protocol was first signed in March 2022 while President Ali was in Belize for the 33rd inter-sessional meeting of CARICOM heads.

The RSS in 1982 out of a need for a collective response to security threats, which were impacting on the stability of the region. The first four members were Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. They signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Barbados to provide for “mutual assistance on request”. St. Kitts and Nevis joined after gaining independence in September 1983 and Grenada in January 1985. The MOU was updated in 1992 and the RSS acquired juridical status in March 1996 by way of the Treaty which was signed in St. Georges, Grenada.

The memorandum made provisions for a fast-moving non-bureaucratic organization which could react to the security needs of Member States if requested. The aim of the regional body is to to ensure the stability and well-being of Member States through mutual cooperation, in order to maximise regional security in preserving the social and economic development of citizens.

Guyana has in the past requested help from the RSS to address security matters with the most recent being an investigation in alleged corrupt practices in the Guyana Police Force.

On Friday, the President also assented to the Mental Health Protection and Promotion Act 2022.

The Mental Health Protection and Promotion Act 2022 provides for the mental health care of persons suffering from mental illness and protects, promotes and fulfills the rights of those persons during the delivery of mental health care. Additionally, it seeks to promote the mental health and well-being of persons in Guyana and to ensure that all persons receive the best mental health care.