US Army General visits Guyana for Exercise Tradewinds 2023

– to hold talks on defence partnership between US, Guyana & Caricom

US Army General Laura Richardson, commander of US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), is set to return to Guyana from July 25 to 27. During her visit, she aims to hold discussions with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), US Embassy, and Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders regarding the defence partnership between the United States and Guyana, and their collaboration with Caricom partners.
The timing coincides with Guyana hosting Exercise Tradewinds, a multinational exercise focused on enhancing security capabilities in the Caribbean region. That exercise aims to strengthen partnerships among participating defence and public security forces, promote international cooperation, and uphold human rights.
During her sojourn, General Richardson would be meeting with key figures such as Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Omar Khan; Caricom Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett, and US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch. She will also observe Tradewinds events and participate in the closing ceremony of the exercise, which is set for Thursday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).
Earlier, in June, General Richardson had a meeting with Brigadier Khan during the Caribbean Nations Security Conference in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The conference brought together Caribbean leaders to address climate change and cyber defence matters.
The relationship between the US and Guyana is marked by a longstanding security partnership. SOUTHCOM and the GDF have worked closely together on various initiatives, including disaster preparedness, humanitarian assistance, maritime security, human rights, professional development, promoting the integration of women in peace, defence and public security missions, and countering transnational criminal organizations.
Meanwhile, Guyana has again hosted Exercise Tradewinds, which saw over 1500 security force personnel from 20 nations participating.
Since its establishment in 1984, the Tradewinds Exercise, organised by the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), has symbolised unity and collaboration in the face of security challenges.
General Richardson visited Guyana in August last year and met with President Dr Irfaan Ali and key Government representatives, along with defence leaders. During that time, she received a painting titled ‘In Flight’, featuring a harpy eagle over Kaieteur Falls. It was done by local artist Dillon Craig.