GEORGETOWN, Guyana — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio landed in Guyana on Thursday, representing the second stage of his three-nation Caribbean tour as part of efforts by the Trump administration to enhance engagement throughout the Western Hemisphere. This initiative aims to foster energy independence while addressing illegal migration, drug trafficking, and gang violence.
During his short visit to Georgetown, Rubio held discussions with Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali and other dignitaries before preparing for a brief stopover in Paramaribo, Suriname.
Guyana’s vast offshore oil potential presents a pivotal opportunity for the Republican administration’s strategy to reduce the region’s reliance on Venezuelan energy imports, which have been heavily sanctioned by President Donald Trump.
Relations between Guyana and Venezuela have been contentious. Recently, Guyana condemned an armed Venezuelan naval vessel’s encroachment into disputed waters where ExxonMobil is exploring a significant oil field.
On March 1, President Ali reported that a Venezuelan ship passed near large vessels used for oil storage in the Stabroek Block, operated by Exxon, Hess Corp, and CNOOC of China, which is believed to hold approximately 11 billion barrels of oil.
The State Department has warned of potential repercussions for the Maduro regime due to further provocations. In response, the Trump administration has enacted stringent sanctions, including a 25% tariff on goods from nations importing Venezuelan oil.
Rubio is set to sign a security cooperation agreement with Guyana’s foreign minister, although details of the deal remain undisclosed. Guyana is already a participant in the U.S.-initiated Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.
Ever since ExxonMobil’s substantial oil find in Guyana in 2015, Venezuela has renewed its historical territorial dispute with Guyana, attempting to claim the Essequibo region, encompassing nearly two-thirds of Guyana’s territory.
The Maduro government has denounced Guyana’s oil field developments as “illegal.”