GDF Special Forces training will continue despite US spending cuts – Vice Admiral Kernan

Mar 29, 2013 News

Spending cuts at the United States Department of Defence will not affect the continued training between the Special Forces of the Guyana Defence Force and the United States military.
This assurance was given by Vice Admiral Joseph Kernan of the United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) Military Department when he and his visiting party paid a courtesy call on Guyana Defence Force Chief of Staff Commodore Gary Best, at Base Camp Ayanganna, recently.

Commodore Gary Best (L) receives a gift from Vice Admiral Joseph Kernan. Also in photo is GDF Colonel Mark Phillips.

It was during the meeting that Vice Admiral Kernan indicated that due to spending cuts currently in force at the US Defence Department, US military assistance to its allies worldwide will be reduced.
The top US military officer expressed his admiration for the collaborative efforts of Guyana and Brazil to address security issues, describing it as a most welcome development.
Commodore Best stated that Guyana was continuing to develop and strengthen military ties with its neighbours and made reference to his recent visit to Suriname where he discussed with his Surinamese counterparts, several issues related to military cooperation.
The discussions also addressed the GDF’s acquisition of the Metal Shark Boats which are to be provided under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.
Commodore Best and Vice Admiral Kernan exchanged gifts at the conclusion of the visit.
The Vice Admiral, who along with Executive Officer to the Military Deputy Commander, Lt Colonel Pedro Matos, USSOUTHCOM Political/Military Affairs Caribbean Advisor, Mr. Steve Klingel, was on a three-day visit to Guyana, was accompanied by USMLO Commander Lieutenant Ryan Brooks.