Guyana and Brazil yesterday signed a security agreement that will see the army benefiting from a jungle warfare centre near Bartica, military equipment and training.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release President Bharrat Jagdeo and Brazil’s Minister of Defence Nelson Azevdeo Jobim inked the agreement at the Office of the President.
The meeting focused on the countries’ bilateral and multilateral matters related to security. It is expected that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officers would undergo training at various Brazilian military academies and that the country will receive an electric powered generator, computers, high precision rifles, radio equipment, Global Positioning Systems, night vision goggles, helmets and other items.
According to GINA, Brazil will also assist the army with the construction of a command post near Bartica, which the officials called “the jungle warfare centre.” Azevedo said the assistance came following a request by the GDF. The minister, who spoke to the media through interpretation by Brazil Ambassador to Guyana Arthur Meyer, said the meeting also discussed the formation of the South American Defence Council, a body being mulled as a forum for discussion among South American defence ministers.
Meyer pointed out that the forum is not a military alliance but its objectives are based on the principles of respect, national sovereignty, non interference in internal affairs of the states involved and respect for their borders. “What is important is that South America needs to have one voice in the multilateral defence forum,” Azevedo said.
GDF Chief of Staff Commodore Gary Best and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee also attended the meeting, GINA said.
