Govt building more tech-driven, agile armed forces – Pres Ali

…promotes enhanced defence collaboration as cadets urged to remain disciplined

New cadets from the Standard Officers Course #58 were on Wednesday reminded, at their Commissioning Parade, of the importance of maintaining discipline in and out of uniform by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who told them that they are entering the army at a time when it is undergoing rapid change.
In his feature address at the event, President Ali spoke about the National Defence Strategy being pursued by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration, and how he envisions a more technology-driven, agile Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

“In essence, our National Defence Strategy is primarily driven by our aspirations for peaceful co-existence with neighbouring nations. Its foundation lies in maintaining civilian control over the military. This strategy entails developing a more technologically-advanced and agile armed force, seeking international solidarity and support to discourage aggression,
enhancing defence collaboration, bettering the welfare of our military personnel and their families, and fostering stronger connections between the Force and local communities. I urge all of you to become familiar with the pillars of the National Defence Policy,” the President told the cadets.
And in his message focused primarily on the new batch of cadets, President Ali urged them to maintain discipline in both their professional and personal lives, noting the ramifications of them bringing dishonour on themselves and their peers.
“And you’d also discredit the uniform and this noble institution you serve. Guyana’s new National Defence Policy, among other objectives, aims to cultivate a high level of respect for the Force largely through increased visibility. This will allow for greater public confidence,” he said.
The Government has been making concerted efforts to upgrade the GDF while increasing its ability to attract talent around the region. Mention has been made previously of plans to build a GDF-run military and civil aviation school which will cater for both local and regional students, and bring on board trained military instructors who served in both the GDF and other armies.
There are also the various purchases that have been made to bolster the armed forces, including a 115-foot offshore patrol vessel (OPV) being procured for the GDF from United States (US)-based company Metal Shark, that is expected to arrive in October 2023.
The 115-foot defiant patrol vessel earmarked for Guyana, dubbed the “GDFS Berbice”, has already been launched. Metal Shark Chief Executive Officer Chris Allard had said that the vessel would play a key role in helping to protect Guyana’s oil and gas industry. In addition to this, President Ali had previously said the OPV would also help Guyana in patrolling the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) against illegal fishing.
In addition, a Bell 412 helicopter was recently procured for the GDF. GDF Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Omar Khan had said at the commissioning ceremony in July that this helicopter would help expand the Air Corps’ capacity and its ability to protect Guyana’s territorial integrity. He had also noted that it aligns with President Ali’s announced defence policy initiative.
There is also the Dornier aircraft for Guyana that will be procured. Back in February, it had been announced that Guyana was in talks with the Government of India to procure patrolling vessels and a Dornier aircraft to better protect Guyana’s maritime boundaries. This contract, President Ali had revealed in July, should be signed by this year-end.