Guyana hosts 4th UK- Caribbean Heads of Defense Conference

Military leaders from the Caribbean and the United Kingdom are currently convening in Guyana for the United Kingdom and Caribbean Heads of Defence Conference 2024.
Hosted jointly by the Guyana Defence Force and the United Kingdom, under the esteemed leadership of the United Kingdom Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin and Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, the conference marks a pivotal moment in fostering collaboration among nations.
In a GDF post on social media, it has been stated that the hybrid format of the conference, which was declared open on Tuesday by President and Commander-in-Chief Dr Irfaan Ali, reflects the innovative approach taken to address contemporary security challenges.
President Ali, the GDF said, an advocate for regional peace, emphasised the significance of the conference against the backdrop of Guyana’s historical context and the global landscape. He articulated his vision for the discussions to yield a comprehensive document addressing the multifaceted threats while considering the complexities of development.
The President noted that the output from the discussions would elevate policymakers’ understanding from a defense perspective. He proposed the formulation of a document that encompasses a holistic view of threats, acknowledging the intricate relationship between security and development.
The UK-Caribbean Heads of Defence Staff Conference serves as a platform for addressing current and emerging security threats to the region. It facilitates in-depth analysis of issues impacting regional security, including humanitarian assistance, disaster response cooperation, and gaining insights into the UK’s strategic perspective on providing support.
The military officers would also explore several initiatives aimed at strengthening the collective response to evolving security challenges.
Brigadier Khan has extended a warm welcome to counterparts from Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Belize, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, and other Caribbean nations during his opening remarks.
According to the GDF post, in attendance during the opening were Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips; Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn; National Security Advisor Gerry Gouveia; High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Guyana, Jane Miller; and other senior officers of the Joint Services.
The UK-Caribbean Heads of Defence Staff Conference, part of a series of forums where defense chiefs in the region collaborate on matters of mutual interest, underscores the commitment to promoting peace and stability across the hemispheres. These meetings, held regularly, further consolidate the resolve of participating nations to work together in the pursuit of shared security objectives.