Maritime teams secure top-three finish for Guyana in Caribbean challenge

Guyana copped third place in the latest Seaport Cooperation Project (SEACOP) Joint Maritime Control Unit (JMCU) Caribbean competition, scoring 72 out of 80, a release said.

The result places Guyana among the region’s top maritime law enforcement performers, tied with St Kitts and Nevis and behind Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, which led with 75 out of 80.

Guyana was represented by officers from the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard.

Their performance reflected strong operational capability and adherence to international standards in conducting vessel searches, the release said.

The European Union-funded SEACOP programme is designed to strengthen Caribbean law enforcement capacity to carry out high-risk maritime searches for illicit goods, including narcotics. Participating countries included Suriname, Jamaica, and Antigua and Barbuda.

Assessments were based on an 80-point framework covering operational safety, search techniques, communication and decision-making, legal compliance and professionalism.

The release said the result highlights Guyana’s growing capacity in maritime enforcement, supported by training and regional cooperation, and underscores its commitment to tackling transnational organised crime.