THE UK Government has denied that its withdrawal of funding for the Security Sector Reform Programme (SSRP) is linked to a military exercise in the vicinity of Guyana’s borders with Venezuela and Brazil.

It also reiterated its support for the development of Guyana and the Caribbean.

A statement issued by the British High Commission here yesterday said: “There is no truth in the suggestion that the decision was linked to a UK military exercise. The decision by the Guyanese authorities (in June 2008) not to allow live firing as part of the exercise was fully accepted. The exercise took place, successfully, without live firing, in November 2008.”

“We remain committed to supporting the development of Guyana and the Caribbean and will continue to work closely with the Government of Guyana on economic growth, private sector development, and to support the country’s efforts to implement the Low Carbon Development Strategy.”

The statement added that the UK Government fully respects the right of the Government of Guyana to determine the direction of Guyana’s security sector, and any programme for that sector.

“The latest proposal from the Government of Guyana for UK Government funding for the security sector suggests a fundamentally different programme from the one we understood the Government of Guyana wanted. This understanding was based on President Jagdeo’s letters of May 4 and August 14, 2006 which called for comprehensive, broad based, non-partisan and compelling reform of the security sector,” the statement said.

It added that the latest proposal from the Government of Guyana suggests a focus on police modernisation, rather than on holistic security sector reform. After careful consideration, the UK Government therefore decided to withdraw its offer of assistance in this area. This decision was not taken lightly. The decision was explained in person to President Jagdeo and in writing to Dr Luncheon. The funding has been re-allocated to other pressing needs within the Caribbean.