OFFICERS of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Brazilian Armed Forces are, currently, engaged in discussions at the 18th Regional Meeting of Military Exchange, which opened on Wednesday.

The talks are being held under the theme ‘Continued Friendship and Partnership towards Enhanced Border Security.’
The local delegation is being headed by Commanding Officer of One Infantry Battalion, Colonel George Lewis while Brigadier General Jose’ Luiz Jaborandy Rodrigues, Commander of the First Jungle Infantry Brigade, is leading the six-member Brazilian team.
Both leaders are responsible for border operations in their respective countries.
Colonel Lewis, in welcome and introductory remarks, said he felt that the officers’ presence here is indicative of the importance that Brazil places on improving military cooperation with Guyana, as well as continued friendship between the two armies.
He stated, further, that Guyana and Brazil face common challenges to national security and noted that some of them will be discussed with a view of coming up with possible solutions.
Security challenge
Lewis told his counterpart, too, that the GDF is willing to assist in overcoming any security challenge it may face, as Brazil prepares to host the 2014 Football World Cup as well as Olympic Games.
“General, I am sure that, as we exchange information during our discussions and deliberations, common solutions will be found and additional areas of mutual cooperation will be identified between our two armies,” Colonel Lewis added.
He pointed to the Takutu Bridge and the road link from Lethem to Georgetown which, he said, are achievements which both governments could be proud of.
Lewis noted, though, that the additional security challenges which this posed for both militaries will also be discussed with a view to realising the common mission of making both nations safe.
In brief remarks, Brigadier General Rodrigues said that they are here to ‘join hands’ so that solutions to common problems could be arrived at.
“… so we will raise our ideas and we would come out of this meeting strengthened as together we are strong,” he remarked.
The Regional Military Exchange is held every two years and the host country is rotated. It is essential to the objective of strengthening relations and ties between the two militaries and improving border security.
The GDF and the Brazilian Armed Forces have enjoyed a fruitful relationship over the years, particularly in the area of training.

(By Michel Outridge)