US open to helping Guyana modernise defence capacity
-Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense
Guyana’s economic transformation will see its bilateral defence partnership with the United States intensifying this year as the two nations strategise on plans for a futuristic modern defence system here.
This will also include training in a number of areas and visits from other US department heads throughout 2024.
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Western Hemisphere, Daniel Erikson, today wraps up a visit to this country. He informed that in meetings he has held with top officials on defence, Washington has pledged support to assist in areas of especially training for cybersecurity vigilance and sharing of information to combat transnational crimes.
Erikson yesterday held an interview with representatives from the four daily newspapers here. He also had an interview with the Department of Public Information where he reiterated much of what was
said in the interview with the print media.
“The United States has a very strong bilateral relationship with Guyana which includes the defence relationship. The first message
is, that there is already a strong foundation for the US and Guyana to cooperate on defence security issues. At the same time, we recognise that Guyana is at a turning point in terms of economic development, and in terms of the regional role it is capable of playing. We want to make sure that our relationship with Guyana continues to meet the times, as the situation in Guyana continues to evolve,” Erikson said in response to questions posed by the Stabroek News on the broad terms of the defence partnership being discussed between Georgetown and Washington.
“My visit here, my first foreign trip for 2024, is intended to mainly obtain and advance the strong defence lines that we have with Guyana and will have a robust set of activities over the coming year which includes additional visits by training teams, increased information sharing high level discussions on a whole range of issues,” he added.
The US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense said that “Guyana is seeking to modernise its defence capabilities which will over time, imply additional purchases or assets it may require.”
Asked if discussions about arms purchases included additional marine vessels, aircraft, and ammunition, he replied that the two sides “are in conversations about what the scope of that element of capability should be.”
“One thing that is of great interest to us is ensuring that as Guyana looks to increase its defence capabilities, it does so through a plan that is strategic; that is nested in its overall defence institutions that are sustainable overtime. Looking forward I can see a time when Guyana does look to expand its maritime and other assets beyond what it has currently,” he added.
The visit by the senior US official comes in the aftermath of swingeing tensions in December with Venezuela over its referendum which sought the annexation of Guyana’s county of Essequibo. In recent months, Guyana has embarked on stepped up defence diplomacy in the face of the Venezuelan threat and this has seen a string of visits from the US