GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Oct 1, CMC – Guyana has signed a US$16 million contract with the US-based Bell Textron Inc. for the supply of two advanced rotary wing aircraft highlighting the commitment to deepening cooperation in defence and security.
Apart from enhancing the capabilities of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the authorities say the it also serves as a testament to the strong bilateral relationship between Guyana and the United States.
Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, said the agreement represents yet another instalment in the government’s very significant investments in the capitalisation and recapitalisation of the GDF.
He said that by the end of this year, the government is expected to spend almost GUY$32 billion (One Guyana dollar=US$0.004 cents) on investments in capital assets for the GDF.
He said these investments are targeted towards improving all aspects in the Force’s operations as well as supporting surveillance of Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone and joint-service operations.
Singh said that during the period 2021 to 2023, Guyana received US$15.4 billion in foreign direct investment from the US, representing approximately 96 per cent of total foreign direct investments over that period.
He said over the same period, the US accounted for 1 per cent of all exports from Guyana and 17 per cent of all imports into Guyana, making the North American country, Guyana’s largest trading partner.
US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole D. Theriot, said this partnership represents more than just a commercial transaction.
“It speaks directly to the core values and priorities that define the relationship between the United States and Guyana, and it underscores our mutual commitment to safety and security.”
She said that the Bell helicopters enhance Guyana’s capabilities in disaster response, search and rescue, and overall public safety, adding “it is an investment in protecting the lives of the Guyanese people. Coupled with training and maintenance, these aircraft will bolster Guyana’s ability to respond to emergencies swiftly and effectively.
She said the signing ceremony ceremony marks “a significant advancement in our bilateral relationship” and that Washington “remains committed to being a reliable, trusted partner to Guyana, and today we strengthen the foundation of that collaboration”.
The GDF Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, said that “this agreement is not merely us pursuing our defence objective to enhance our rotor-wing capability.
“In the main, it represents Government’s consistent approach to recapitalising the Force through strategic acquisition and infrastructure development. Notably, for this particular product, the GDF has been operating the Bell brand since the 1980s with the initial purchase of five aircraft during that period.”
Khan said a further two similar brands were purchased in 2007, and an additional two were acquired in 2021 and 2023.
He said while the GDF only has one Bell product in service to-date, “the acquisition of two more comparable products will better position the Force to enhance the conduct of missions in remote areas of our country.”
The new rotary wing aircraft will empower the GDF to effectively conduct a range of missions, including search and rescue, disaster relief, and border security operations. Equipped with the most recent of modern technology, these helicopters demonstrate the proactive steps the Government of Guyana is taking to strengthen its defence capabilities and ensure that Guyana remains prepared to address emerging challenges.
CMC/gt/ir/2024