US air power on display as President Ali begins second term in Guyana

United States aircraft conducted a low pass flyover of Georgetown on Sunday as President Irfaan Ali was sworn into office for a second consecutive five-year term.

In a brief statement, the US Embassy in Georgetown said the flyover was carried out in collaboration with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and “reflects the strength of U.S. air power, our partnership with Guyana, and our continued support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Washington also noted that it looks “forward to continuing to work with the government of Guyana to further strengthen the bilateral ties between our two countries. Our commitment to Guyana’s continued growth and development remains strong and unwavering. We commend the Organization of American States (OAS) and other international observers for their impartial monitoring and thorough analysis, which have been instrumental in promoting transparency and accountability in this election.”

The show of US support comes amid heightened regional tensions. In recent days, Washington has increased its military presence near Venezuela, saying the move is part of its crackdown on narco-trafficking. Guyana and Venezuela remain locked in a long-standing border dispute over the Essequibo region, which is administered by Guyana but claimed by Caracas.

Venezuela argues that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the boundary, is void. In March 2024, its government passed a law designating Essequibo as a new state governed from the city of Tumeremo.