
The National Assembly’s Committee of Supply this afternoon cleared over $16B for the Guyana Defence Force to boost its infrastructure and to purchase new equipment such as drones and other devices.
During the consideration of the budget estimates, Opposition Member of Parliament, Khemraj Ramjattan, queried the allocation under the Defence and Security support.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, pointed out that the allocation is to boost GDF’s capacity and capabilities.
“This $16B relate to the provision of two aircraft which is foreign funded, procurement of choppers, procurement of long-range drone systems and the procurement of a second boat for the coastguard, so this will be increasing our military infrastructure and equipment,” Ms. Teixeira noted.
The Opposition did not object to the allocations.
Last week, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo revealed that the Government has begun engagements with Bell Helicopter for the purchase of four small helicopters to assist with training of security personnel and to boost the country’s capability.
Ms. Teixeria did not say if the $16B will also cater for the purchasing of those helicopters from Bell, although she was asked. But she explained that the Government is keen on giving the GDF’s infrastructure and equipment capacity a significant boost.
Last month, the National Assembly approved $1.2B in supplementary funding to support the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). The Funds were given to beef up GDF’s capabilities in the face of increase threats from neighbouring Venezuela.
Since those increased threats in December, calls have been made from the Opposition and other sections of society for the Government to boost GDF’s capacity to respond to threats.
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