Prime Minister, Brigadier Mark Phillips underscored the importance of the Regional Security System (RSS) Bill 2025 during the 105th Sitting of the Twelfth Parliament, held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal on Monday.
The legislation, officially known as Bill No. 5 of 2025, was published on 11 February and had its first reading on 17 February. It seeks to implement the treaty establishing the RSS, a collective security alliance of Caribbean nations, and provides the legal framework to strengthen Guyana’s regional cooperation on matters of defence, law enforcement, and disaster response.
During his address to the House, Prime Minister Phillips highlighted the significance of the Bill in adjusting Guyana’s laws to support the RSS and the modernisation of the country’s security operations.
“This legislation is not only a formality—it is a meaningful and necessary step for Guyana’s future. It cements our commitment to regional unity and collective security.”
Prime Minister Phillips underscored that Guyana, as a dualist state, requires the passage of legislation to domesticate international treaties. The Bill therefore ensures that Guyana’s legal framework is aligned with its regional obligations under the RSS Treaty.
“Without this Bill, our service personnel would be operating in legal limbo when carrying out RSS duties. This legislation corrects that, offering them legal protection and operational clarity.”
He further emphasised that the RSS is not merely symbolic but a functional and results-driven alliance with a proven record of regional interventions, including recent support in investigations and humanitarian operations.
He pointed to Guyana’s own experience, referencing support received from the RSS in recent law enforcement investigations and the participation of Guyanese troops in regional disaster recovery missions.
Key provisions of the Bill include the legal enforcement of Articles 10 to 14 of the RSS Treaty, which address jurisdiction, command, discipline, training, and coast guard operations. The Bill also permits foreign service authorities to exercise jurisdiction over their personnel stationed in Guyana and vice versa, ensuring seamless inter-state cooperation.
Prime Minister Phillips said that “The pooling of resources under the RSS gives us access to capabilities that would be unaffordable individually—shared aircraft, joint training, and harmonised coast guard operations. This is smart economics and sound governance.”
Looking to the future, Prime Minister Phillips described the legislation as foundational to Guyana’s evolving security landscape and regional leadership.
“This Bill gives strength to our security, structure to our regional cooperation, and legal grounding to our commitments. Let us pass this Bill not just for legality, but for solidarity, for our service personnel, and for a safer Guyana and Caribbean region.”
The Bill was passed on Monday night.
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