Army helicopter arrives
The Government of Guyana has delivered on its promise to enhance the work of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) with the arrival of one of the two Bell 206 helicopters that it had committed to purchasing to aid in crime fight. The helicopter which is outfitted with spotlights arrived yesterday from Costa Rica and is stationed at the GDF Air Corps, Timehri.Chief of Staff of the GDF Commodore Gary Best said the helicopter will begin air surveillance from tomorrow.Subsequent to the Lusignan massacre, President Bharrat Jagdeo had announced that government will be purchasing two helicopters to improve the army’s air patrols which will aid in the fight against transnational crimes and serve as a deterrent to the establishment of illegal airstrips. The other helicopter is expected to arrive from the United States.In this year’s budget, $900M of the $13.7B for the security sector was allocated for the purchase of the helicopters and other equipment and gear for the Joint Services. Following the Lusignan and Bartica massacres which left 23 persons dead, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) loaned Guyana a helicopter to render assistance in the pursuit of criminal gangs which have been carrying out ruthless killings and robberies.The administration has made several interventions to improve the work of the GDF including in the area of training. Government has made available in this year’s budget $63M for training of GDF ranks and officers. Last year $46.19M was spent in this area.
