The United States (US) has provided an additional US$500,000 to Guyana under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) to help counter narco-trafficking and money laundering, the American embassy here announced Monday.

“The new funds will be used to increase interdictions, seizures and eradication operations, and to reduce the incidence of drug-related violence,” the embassy said in a statement.

The US embassy explained that the funding would continue to support Guyana and US efforts in law enforcement capacity building and anti-money laundering.

In addition, the embassy said, the additional CBSI support would strengthen counter-narcotics control capabilities and enhance communications to assist with information collection and identification of drug trafficking organizations,

A Letter of Agreement, signed by Foreign Minister, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and US Ambassador, Brendt Hardt last Friday, is an amendment to the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) that provides for the additional money.

Little more than one year ago, the US CBSI had provided an initial tranche of US$100,000 to finance counter narcotic operations and anti-money laundering and financial crimes.

“This expanded commitment reflects the determination of the United States Government to deepen our security partnership with Guyana,” the embassy added.

The Caribbean Basin Security Initiative is a multinational partnership between theUnited States of Americaand the nations of the Caribbean designed to advance citizen security in the region.

Through the CBSI, all partner nations are undertaking cooperative efforts to reduce illicit trafficking, advance public safety and security, and promote social justice.

CBSI was developed together with Caribbean governments and fulfils President Obama’s commitment to deepen regional security cooperation made at the Fifth Summit of the Americas, held in Port of Spain,Trinidadin April 2009.