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Guyana Defense Force – More than 1500 military personnel from 21 different nations are currently here in Guyana for the US-led Caribbean security exercise, EXERCISE TRADEWINDS.

An official opening ceremony for the two-week combined joint exercise was held earlier today at the Drill Square, Base Camp Ayanganna.

Guyana’s lead planner, Major Jaime Castello pointed to the months of planning and extensive coordination which culminated in today’s event and will continue to unfold over the next two weeks.

“The planning committees, logistical teams and all those involved have worked tirelessly to produce a plan and design realistic scenarios that will challenge, inspire and foster growth among the participants, “ he said.

Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Omar Khan welcomed the representatives from the various contingents and thanked the organisers for their support throughout the preparatory phase of the exercise.

He lauded the contribution of the United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) to regional security and peace. “The region is most thankful for the opportunities to build capacity and jointly address common threats and challenges … this exercise is timely for us here in Guyana and we are grateful for training opportunities to operate alongside our regional colleagues and to train collectively,” he said.

US Army South Commanding General, Major General William Thigpen who was on hand for today’s ceremony expressed thanks for Guyana hosting the event for the second time in three years. He said the participation of the more than 1500 personnel exemplifies a shared commitment to each other to strengthen partnerships and remain united as defenders of common values.

He lauded the work and commitment of the planners as well as participating nations.“ Tradewinds 23 is key to leveraging the capabilities of like-minded countries to reach common goals and strengthen regional stability.

Our partnerships are built of trust and an understanding to provide a safe and secure environment for our share neighbourhood,” he said. In this regard, US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch emphasized, that ensuring security and stability and being able to respond to natural disasters, will foster an environment where citizens feel safe in their homes and are more willing to invest in their future.

In this way, she said Tradewinds supports the long-term goal of economic development and prosperity not just in Guyana, but the entire Caribbean.

Ambassador Lynch was in high praises of Guyana’s decision to host the 38th iteration of the exercise which also aims at improving security responses of participating nations in the areas of interdiction, security and interagency cooperation.

She singled out the roles and participation of intergovernmental organisations such as CARICOM and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) as crucial to the success of the exercise.

National Security Advisor, Captain Gerald Gouveia, who also spoke at the ceremonial opening of the exercise encouraged participants to capitalize on the training received. He also conveyed the government’s commitment to the mission at hand.

Exercise Tradewinds is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored annual exercise designed to strengthen partnerships and interoperability, promote human rights, as well as increase all participants’ training capacity and capability to mitigate, plan for and respond to regional crises and security threats. Guyana last hosted the exercise in 2021.

Over the next two weeks, participants from 21 nations will be trained in the ground, air, sea and cyber domain in various locations.