[www.inewsguyana.com] – In one of the most clearest message of support to the Government of Guyana in its drug fighting efforts and the fight to bring drug traffickers and money launders to justice, United States Charge d’ Affaires Bryan Hunt said that capacity building for Guyanese security forces is critical but not sufficient in achieving the goals outlined under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.

In his address during a reception to honor General John Kelly, United States Marine Corps, Commander, U.S. Southern Command, Hunt said that the actions of the security forces must be complemented by robust programs in investigative and prosecutorial activities which result in the successful conviction and imprisonment of criminal elements.

Additionally, he was stern in stating that there needs to be more collaborative efforts which must be taken to cease the financial assets of criminal elements and dismantle their sophisticated money laundering networks.

Guyana has made moves in this regard with the establishment of the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) and the United States of America stands ready to work with the Government of Guyana and other partners to ensure that the unit has the necessary training and assistance to operate effectively.

General John Kelly, United States Marine Corps, Commander, U.S. Southern Command [left].

Meanwhile, the visiting US Commander General in his remarks noted that drug trafficking is a cancer in every society.

He said that despite the many relationships which are shared and incidentally tremendous among nations, there are several common threats which include human rights violations, human trafficking, economic development and drug trafficking.

The US Marine official arrived in Guyana on Tuesday for a two day visit, fulfilling an invitation which was extended to him several months ago by Head of the Guyana Defense Force, Brigadier Mark Phillips