–Brigadier Khan says local defence capabilities will continue to be holistically enhanced to meet demands of growing economy

AS Guyana forges ahead with its developmental agenda, joint efforts are currently underway with the United States of America (US) to enhance local airspace awareness and security capabilities.

This was according to US Air Force Major General Evan Pettus and Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Omar Khan, during a joint interview at Base Camp Ayanganna, on Friday.

This collaboration, both officials highlight, is a testament to the shared commitment of both nations towards fostering regional stability and addressing emerging security challenges.
US Major General Pettus articulated the essence of this partnership, stating, “We have an ongoing partnership [that] has lasted for quite some time.”

His recent visit to Guyana marked a significant phase in this collaboration, focusing on the culmination of an air domain awareness assessment.

This initiative, a cooperative endeavour between the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the US’ Department of Defence, is designed to evaluate and subsequently augment Guyana’s capabilities to monitor and secure its airspace effectively.

“…The purpose was to work together to assess Guyana’s current capabilities with respect to its ability to have sense and make what happens in its airspace, and to develop a roadmap of ways we can work together to grow that capability over the coming years,” Major General Pettus said, as he elaborated on the objectives of this collaboration.

The involvement of multiple stakeholders from both the United States Department of Defence and the Guyana Defence Force underscores the comprehensive approach being undertaken to realise these goals.

Also, this week, the United Kingdom and Caribbean Heads of Defence Conference concluded with a unanimous recommitment from all participants to continue their collaborative efforts in addressing shared challenges.

The Army Chief of Staff said the partnership with the US is timely, given Guyana’s economic ascent and its implications for national defence.

Brigadier Khan highlighted the nexus between economic growth and defence capability expansion, stating: “With the growth of our own economy and the responsibility that we anticipate will come to the defence sector, we are likely to require to expand our capability.”

This foresight, he said, is driving Guyana’s approach to developing its defence forces in collaboration with the United States, aiming not just for equipment acquisition but for a holistic enhancement encompassing planning, policy, training, and equipping.

Both officials pointed out that the collaboration between Guyana and the United States transcends bilateral interests, contributing to broader regional security.

“Ultimately, regional security, national security for the Guyanese people is good for the region, and it’s good for the United States. It’s a mutually beneficial partnership,” Major General Pettus said, as he highlighted the mutual benefits of this partnership.

This sentiment was echoed by Brigadier Khan, who outlined the importance of collective security efforts and the role of international partnerships in ensuring regional stability.

The engagement with the United States, he said, is part of a broader strategy that includes cooperation with other nations and regional organisations, reinforcing the security architecture of the Caribbean.

COUNTERING MISINFORMATION AND FUTURE ENGAGEMENTS
Amidst concerns and rumours about the nature of the US-Guyana partnership, particularly regarding the alleged establishment of a US military base in Guyana, Major General Pettus clarified the situation.

“It’s an interesting rumour. It is not one that I’m aware of that has any foundation,” he said, as he underscored the humanitarian and disaster response focus of their collaborations, which are longstanding and unrelated to the geopolitical dynamics with neighbouring Venezuela.

Looking forward, both nations anticipate further engagements to continue building Guyana’s defence capabilities, including discussions on cybersecurity, humanitarian assistance, and the acquisition of defence assets.

Those efforts, the officials said are indicative of a dynamic and evolving partnership, poised to address current and future security challenges.

During his three-day visit to Guyana, Major General Pettus met with senior leaders in the Government of Guyana, Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and US Embassy to discuss the US defence partnership with Guyana.

The recent budget allocates $42.2 billion to bolster the GDF’s capabilities, including the procurement of two aircraft, four helicopters, a long-range drone, and an offshore patrol vessel for the Coast Guard.

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, has articulated the government’s commitment to enhancing the GDF’s defence capabilities through significant investments in material and human resources.

This initiative aims to modernise the Force’s fleet and technological prowess with state-of-the-art equipment and supplies.

President Ali has clarified that those efforts are purely defensive and not intended for aggression.