Guyana and Jamaica have formalised a broad package of cooperation agreements covering key sectors including agriculture, security, finance and technology, as both countries seek to deepen regional integration and expand economic ties.

The memoranda of understanding were signed on Friday at State House in Georgetown by Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd and Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith during the official visit of Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

President Mohamed Irfaan Ali said the discussions were centred on practical outcomes rather than symbolic diplomacy, adding that the agreements reflect a shared commitment to advancing cooperation across multiple areas.

One of the accords focuses on agriculture and is intended to strengthen food and nutrition security while supporting CARICOM’s “25 by 2025 plus five” initiative to reduce the region’s food import bill. The agreement provides for collaboration in agricultural research, innovation, education, trade facilitation, institutional development and training

The two countries also concluded an agreement on defence and security that will enhance information sharing, policy consultations and cooperation on regional and international security issues.

A further memorandum targets the financial services sector through measures designed to modernise systems, strengthen institutions and improve technical capacity.

President Ali said Friday’s agreements represented only the beginning of a broader programme of collaboration. “The engagement went beyond ceremonial diplomacy and focused on deliverable results,” he said, adding that further agreements are expected as discussions continue in areas including energy, housing and governance reform.

He also announced plans for a joint working group on energy cooperation and pointed to opportunities for partnerships between financial institutions and housing developers in both countries.

Technology and national security formed another major area of discussion, with both governments examining cooperation on cybersecurity, data sovereignty and specialised training through Guyana’s National Defence Institute.

Prime Minister Holness said the memoranda represented only part of the cooperation being explored, noting that Guyana and Jamaica share common views on governance, economic development and strengthening the Caribbean’s competitiveness.

#Guyana #Jamaica #CARICOM #Caribbean #RegionalIntegration #AndrewHolness #PresidentAli #FoodSecurity #Agriculture #Technology #Energy #Trade #CaribbeanNews #TheCaribbeanCamera