Work has started on repairs to the access road and the road network in and around Base Camp Seweyo, where a United States (US) military team will be stationed during Exercise New Horizons 2019, which is a joint training exercise with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).
In a statement issued yesterday, the GDF said local troops and communities stand to benefit from the skills of the US team during the joint exercise.
The statement noted that Exercise New Horizons is an annual US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) sponsored exercise that is designed to enhance joint humanitarian assistance between the US Military and partner nations in Central and South America as well as the Caribbean.
It added that the exercise is expected to run from this month until August, with the GDF being able to benefit from training from the US military team, whose focus will be on civil engineering as well as medical and support service personnel’s ability to prepare, deploy, operate and re-deploy outside of the US.
The Department of Public Information had previously reported that the exercise will see a combination of approximately 250 US Force engineers and medical professionals offering their skills.
With a number of projects to be undertaken in several communities, the GDF statement said that they will enable the GDF personnel to gain through the transfer of skills from the US team. It was further noted that the GDF would be providing engineering personnel, including masons, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, doctors, nurses and medics, who will be well-positioned to benefit from the exposure.
Among the projects to be undertaken are the construction of a women’s shelter and community centers in Linden, as well as a community center in Yarrowkabra. Medical and veterinary outreaches are also planned for a number of communities, including New Amsterdam.
Base Camp Seweyo, where the US team will be based during its time in Guyana, the statement explained, will also benefit from a series of works, including repairs to the access road, the installation of solar-powered street lamps and the general development of accommodation for participating troops.
The statement noted that two senior GDF officers and representatives from the Linden Mayor and Town Council, the United States Embassy’s Security Cooperation Office, the Ministry of Communities, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Public Health attended three planning conferences in Arizona, USA.
It said Guyana has previously benefitted from the joint exercise.
