The Government of Guyana has signed an agreement with French company OCEA S.A. for the procurement of an offshore patrol vessel at the cost of €39.5 million.
In a statement, Guyana’s ministry of finance said the move is part of the government’s strategy to boost its national defence 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 President Mohamed Irfaan Ali has ordered the ramping up of GDF’s capacity.
“The instructions that he has issued in pursuit of that vision has seen a previously unprecedented ramping up of, and equipping of the GDF, not only as is manifested by this acquisition but several other acquisitions and investments that were made in all of the GDF’s capabilities,” Singh said as he reminded about the most recent agreement which saw the acquisition of two aircraft for the GDF.
Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Omar Khan, said the decision of equipping the country’s defence force has always been a national endeavour, one which he believes is now necessary.
“It is pertinent, and it is 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 recognise 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 to also 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 inclusive of training for a five-year period.
