GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC—The Government of Guyana has signed an agreement with French company OCEA S.A. to procure an offshore patrol vessel for €39.5 Million.
The Ministry of Finance said in a statement that the move is part of the Government’s strategy to boost its national defense and security capabilities through the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).
During the simple signing ceremony, Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh stated that the move also forms part of the Government’s commitment to ensure that the armed forces are equipped to discharge their functions, including that of safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity, as the President ordered the ramping up of GDF’s capacity.
“The instructions that he has issued in pursuit of that vision have seen a previously unprecedented ramping up and equipping of the GDF, not only as manifested by this acquisition but several other acquisitions and investments that were made in all of the GDF’s capabilities,” he added, reminding about the most recent agreement, which saw the acquisition of two aircraft for the GDF.
Brigadier Omar Khan, the GDF’s chief of staff, said equipping the country’s Defence Force has always been a national endeavor that he believes is now necessary.
“It is pertinent and necessary, and it is in our best interest as a sovereign nation to do so. While our collective actions during this journey have converged in this ceremony today, I single out and recognize the commitment of the Government of Guyana and the vision of our Commander-in-Chief to ensure that the GDF is equipped with the relevant assets for air, land, and sea to protect our territory, and also to create an environment conducive to national development,” Brigadier Khan said.
The price of the vessel includes the cost of the vessel and its equipment and the integrated logistics support services, including training, for a five-year period.
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