GDF gets $5M in supplies from China
By Jaime Hall
Guyana Chronicle
November 8, 2003
The Guyana Defense Force (GDF) continues to get more tangible military logistic support from the Government and People's Liberation Army of China.
Another supply of military equipment and supplies worth $5million was yesterday officially handed over to the GDF at Base Camp, Ayanganna where a brief ceremony was held to receive them.
The supplies represent the final shipment of the 2001 agreement signed between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of Guyana.
It includes tents, specialist equipment and instruments for the Military Band. With this equipment, the Force is now in a better position to significantly boost its ability to fulfill its mission of territorial defence, assisting in internal peace and stability.
China's Ambassador to Guyana Mr. Song Tao said the handing over of the equipment and supplies embodies the friendly feelings of Guyanese people towards Chinese people.
He said that although China and Guyana are far apart from each other geographically, since their diplomatic relations over the past 30 years there have been many developments.
There were increased bilateral exchanges, which promoted cooperation in the areas of politics, economic, material, culture sport health and education among others, but particularly in the military field.
Chairman of the Defence Board Dr. Roger Luncheon said China-Guyana relations in the supply of equipment put the military on the front burner.
Dr. Luncheon said that between the year 2001 and 2002 the government has engaged its Chinese counterpart to provide training and assets for use by the Guyana Defence Force
There were commercial engagements within the defence sector that saw technology from the People's Republic of Chins being utilized by the military here.
Looking beyond what is happening in the military arena and examine in a broad way, the Chinese impact, influence and involvement in the affairs of Guyana, its people and economy, Luncheon says this kind of engagement is being mirrored in other sections of the Guyanese society.
"The numbers have grown and the influence will certainly grow as Guyana welcomes and put to good effect, the increases in the bilateral exchanges", Luncheon points out.