Field hospital to be established in Essequibo – Pres. Ali announces as LAMAT 2026 mission concludes

…hails mission as enduring relationship between Guyana and the US

Residents of Essequibo in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) will soon have access to a field hospital, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced on Friday evening.

The president made the announcement while hosting US Air Force medical professionals at a closing reception at State House on Main Street, marking the successful completion of the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2026 mission.

LAMAT missions form part of a broader health security cooperation initiative led by Air Forces Southern (AFSOUTH), integrating U.S. military medical services with host nation providers like Guyana.

At the reception, President Ali revealed that the US SOUTHCOM has donated a field hospital to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), valued at US$1 million dollars.

“The next time you come, we are going to establish that field hospital with all of the services inside in Essequibo,” President Ali told the gathering.

A similar programme will also be rolled out in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) to ensure residents there receive the best medical care they can get.

“These are two regions I really want you to go to and to help the people there and work with our enormous local team,” the president said, “and let me say how proud I am of our local team in the healthcare system.”

Over the two-week mission, US military medical professionals worked alongside local hospitals and clinics to deliver specialised care to Guyanese, including primary care, minor surgeries, dental procedures and ophthalmology care. Technical teams also repaired medical equipment to ensure hospital infrastructure remains sustainable long after the mission concludes.

President Ali credited the mission with strengthening Guyana’s healthcare system and expanding access to care for thousands of citizens.

“I say on behalf of a grateful nation, thank you to all of you for this mission to Guyana,” he said. “Over the past few days, your work has moved beyond hospitals, health centres, clinics and consultation rooms and into the lives of our people – and that is important.”

The president also acknowledged the University of Miami’s support during the two-week mission, adding that his government will finance a training programme for the country’s local health workforce.

He further stressed that healthcare and national security are deeply interlinked.

“Your work has demonstrated how strengthening health systems is an investment in human well-being, while at the same time, enhancing national security,” he remarked.

To address gang-related activity in Guyana, President Ali proposed an initiative for LAMAT mission members to work with the Ministry of Education to help teachers identify high-risk students.

He described the overall mission as a partnership built on genuine purpose and mutual respect.

“This mission reflects the enduring relationship between Guyana and the United States,” the president said. “Through this mission, we have built something meaningful, something that strengthens both our countries.”

US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot also delivered remarks at the reception. Among those attending were the Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan and Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, among other officials. [Department of Public Information]