Adm. Alvin Holsey, Commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) is in Guyana to meet with senior government and defence leaders to further strengthen bilateral security ties, a release from the US Embassy said.
During his visit to Georgetown, Adm. Holsey will conduct key engagements, including meeting with Mark Phillips, Prime Minister of Guyana (performing the functions of President) and Guyana’s Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan. The discussions will focus on accelerating security cooperation, ensuring regional stability, and reaffirming the United States’ steadfast support for Guyana’s territorial integrity.
“The defense partnership between the United States and Guyana is long-standing and encompasses joint efforts to counter transnational threats, build capacity, and engage in bilateral training programs and professional development engagements.
“U.S. Southern Command works closely with U.S. Government agencies and multinational partners to advance security and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean — partnerships that are essential to hemispheric security, prosperity, and the collective ability to address complex security challenges”, a release from the embassy said.
The visit comes amid growing tension in the southern Caribbean Sea from a US military buildup that has created a standoff with Venezuela and destruction of suspected drug boats and killing of over 60 persons by US forces.
Holsey will step down at the end of this year, two years ahead of schedule, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on October 16, in a surprise move amid escalating tensions with Venezuela.
A source familiar with the matter told Reuters that there had been tension between Holsey and Hegseth over operations in the Caribbean and questions about whether he would be fired in the days leading up to the announcement.
The top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Jack Reed, called Holsey’s unexpected resignation troubling given mounting fears of a potential U.S. confrontation with Venezuela.
