Who Controls Guyana? US Investment Push Raises Sovereignty Questions

President Irfaan Ali’s push to expand United States investment in Guyana, alongside a newly signed defence partnership with Washington, is raising questions about national sovereignty, foreign influence and the protection of the country’s long-term interests.

On October 21, Ali met US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington, D.C., to discuss investment in oil and gas exploration, infrastructure, agriculture, housing and technology, including support for developing Guyana into a regional data-centre hub.

Related coverageUS Ambassador Nicole Theriot Reaffirms Washington’s Support for Guyana Amid Venezuela Tensions17 reports

That same day, Ali and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth signed a Joint Declaration for an Enhanced Defence Partnership at the Pentagon. The declaration provides for defence expertise, multidomain training, joint exercises with the Guyana Defence Force and improved air-domain awareness.