The US Embassy in Guatemala confirmed this Thursday, April 16, that Jorgan K. Andrews, a diplomat expert in drug trafficking and security, will be the new chargé d’affaires of the diplomatic headquarters, replacing John Barrett, who was assigned to the Embassy in Venezuela.
According to the US Embassy in Guatemala, the appointment of Andrews by the Government of President Donald Trump occurs at a time when Barrett, who since last January served as chargé d’affaires in Guatemala, was assigned to fulfill the same position at the diplomatic headquarters in Venezuela, at a key moment in relations between Washington and Caracas after the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
According to a publication from the US Embassy in Guatemala, Secretary of State Marco Rubio appointed Barrett to the position in Venezuela due to the results of his management in Guatemala.
“Following his successful mission in Guatemala, #Charge d’Affaires John Barrett has been selected by @SecRubio to lead @usembassyve and advance @WhiteHouse’s three-phase plan. Continuing @POTUS Trump’s vision in Guatemala, he welcomed Jorgan K. Andrews, who will continue to advance #AmericaFirst priorities as the next chargé d’affaires,” reads a social media post from the Embassy.
He adds: “His extensive experience in security issues and in the region will strengthen cooperation with Guatemala as a key partner of the United States in trade and the fight against drug trafficking and foreign threats, to promote the prosperity and security of both nations.”
Heading to Venezuela
The United States Government appointed John Barrett as chargé d’affaires in Venezuela, replacing Laura Dogu, the official confirmed last Wednesday.
In a statement published on the US Embassy in Venezuela’s
Dogu, who indicated that she will return to her position as foreign policy advisor to the head of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, assured that the team in Caracas “will continue to advance the three-phase plan” of Trump and Rubio for Venezuela (stabilization, recovery and transition), during “this new stage of bilateral relations.”
Barrett assumed his duties as chargé d’affaires in Guatemala in January 2026, after having been minister counselor at the US Embassy in Panama since May 2023, according to official information.
He also held the positions of counselor for Economic Affairs at the embassy in Peru and consul general in the Brazilian city of Recife.
Andrews Profile
Jorgan K. Andrews was, among other positions, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
Oversaw International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization programs in Europe and Asia, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, and collaborated with international partners to deter or disrupt illicit drug trafficking and other transnational criminal activities; reduce instability and strengthen the resilience of partners facing harmful influences; and promote criminal justice cooperation with the United States.
Andrews worked on two of the INL’s three largest programs: Colombia and Mexico. From 2013 to 2016 he directed the INL section in Bogotá during the peace negotiations of the Colombian Government with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
He also served as deputy director of the INL in Mexico City from 2010 to 2013, where he contributed to the implementation of the Mérida Initiative. In both Colombia and Mexico he oversaw US security assistance programs to combat transnational organized crime and drug trafficking, while strengthening justice sector institutions.
Since joining the State Department as a Foreign Service officer in 1995, Andrews served on the National Security Council (2007-2009) and other positions in Washington, as well as foreign assignments in Kazakhstan (2001-2004), Guatemala (1998-2000), and Russia (1996-1998).
A career diplomat, Andrews holds a law degree and a master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Virginia, a master’s degree in National Security Strategy from the National War College, and a bachelor’s degree in Russian Language and International Relations from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Former lawyer originally from Colorado, speaks Russian and Spanish.
After his successful mission in Guatemala, the #ChargerofBusinesses John Barrett has been selected by @SecRubio to lead @usembassyve and advance the three-phase plan of @WhiteHouse. Giving continuity to the vision of @POTUS Trump in Guatemala, welcomed Jorgan K.… pic.twitter.com/IM37uEtG6D
— US Embassy Guatemala (@usembassyguate) April 16, 2026