Multinational security exercise to be held in Guyana
…to prepare nations for natural disasters; land, maritime threats
More than 23 nations are expected to participate in a multinational Caribbean security exercise, which is set for June 2021 in Guyana. The “Tradewinds” exercise will be held in several locations in Guyana.
Military and security officers from the United States and around the Region on Monday commenced the final planning session for “Exercise Tradewinds 2021” (GFC photo)
As such, in preparation for this massive undertaking, representatives from the United States military and partnering nations will come together to participate in the final planning conference this week.
“All training locations provide opportunities to conduct joint, combined, and interagency partner nation capacity building focused on increasing regional cooperation in complex multinational security operations, as well as in humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations,” the US Embassy stated in a release.
Further, it stated that this year’s exercise will include participation by officials and senior leadership of Caricom and its functional sub agencies, many of whom are participating in this week’s planning conference.
“The strong relationships forged during Tradewinds through the exchange of knowledge and expertise are key to maintaining regional security and prosperity throughout the Caribbean,” the US Embassy stated.
With the Caribbean as its focus, Exercise Tradewinds is designed to aid all participating nations to be able to better respond to natural disasters and land and maritime threats.
In January, acting Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Godfrey Bess related that Guyana was in a region prone to natural hazards and man-made threats which have the potential to undermine security.
Aside from natural disasters, the GDF Head explained that terrorism, trafficking in arms, narcotics and human trafficking undermine the rule of law and corrupt youths and institutions, resulting in threats to regional security and stability.
He had further highlighted that defence cooperation also contributed to the enhancement of professionalism and training of military officers, noting that the GDF would participate in the annual “Exercise Tradewinds”.
The Chief of Staff made these comments at the signing of an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement during a visit to Guyana by Commander of the US Southern Command, Admiral Craig Faller.
