The leadership from the United States Army 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) met yesterday and today as part of the United States and Guyana’s strong military to military partnership.
A release from the US Embassy said that the U.S. and Guyana defence forces discussed upcoming engagements to include strategic planning sessions and processes to enhance both countries’ military readiness and capabilities to respond to security threats.
The SFAB is a specialized unit of the U.S. Army established to advise and assist partner nations. Since 2022, the SFAB has conducted several joint training exercises with the GDF to strengthen their capacity and capability at the tactical and operational levels, the release said.
The visit comes in the wake of high tensions between Guyana and Venezuela over Caracas’ plans to hold a referendum on this country’s Essequibo county.
The SFAB Advisors stated, “We are thankful for the opportunity to train with the Guyana Defense Force as our partners and friends. We look forward to deepening the partnership in the weeks and months to come.”
GDF Staff Officer One General Three – Operations and Training – Lieutenant Colonel Andy Pompey said, “The last iteration of U.S. military training here in Guyana has been of tremendous benefit to the Medical Corps and the 4 Engineers Battalion. The transfer of knowledge and expertise from our U.S. counterparts under the auspices of the SFAB has equipped our members with invaluable skills that are directly applicable to the dynamic nature of our modern security environment.
“As we witness the positive outcomes of this training, we are confident that the benefits will be enduring, impacting not only our force’s operational capabilities but also the professional growth of individual members. The SFAB program, with its focus on enhancing the capabilities of partner forces, is a testament to the collaborative efforts between our nations. We look forward to seeing the continued positive impact of the U.S. SFAB training on our force.”
The release said that the US and Guyana enjoy a longstanding security partnership marked by strong collaboration between SOUTHCOM and the GDF that is focused on disaster preparedness, humanitarian assistance, maritime security, human rights, professional development, defence and public-security missions, and countering transnational crime.