Miserly $42.2B approved for Defence Force; Army still using weapons from Burnham era

In spite of Venezuela increasing aggression towards Guyana and false claim to the entire Essequibo, the Government in its $1.146 trillion budget has allocated the miserly sum of $42.2 billion.

In the 21st Century the Guyana Defence Force is still using outdated small arms and light weapons dating back to the Forbes Burnham government (1964-1985).

Support weapons and artillery pieces like the 122 mm cannon and 7mm cannon are said not to be working, and even if the cannons are working there is no ammunition for them because they were all destroyed in 2002 when Camp Groomes exploded

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The power capability of the Guyana Defence Force is also archaic and in disarray. Combat power manoeuvre capability (infantry and calvary); fire power (artillery, navy and air); and communication assets ( electronic and ability to counter enemy communication) see the Defence Force lagging behind.

Of particular concern, in the technological era and with Venezuela’s on-going sabre rattling, is that Guyana does not have the requisite soft ware and hardware to keep abreast with or stay ahead of its neighbours.

Senior officers told Village Voice News they wish the government would prioritise these concerns. One officer said “We are being asked to put our lives on the line, which we are not opposed to, but we wish the Government would support our commitment by modernizing the army, improving training and education, and paying us better.”

The $42.2 billion budget, which passed the Supply Committee on Tuesday will go towards procurement of two aircraft, four helicopters, one long-range drone, and an offshore patrol vessel for the Coast Guard.

$21.7 billion is designated for current expenditures, while $20.5 billion is earmarked for capital spending.