“Airworthy” GDF islanders to arrive in Guyana shortly” – Min. Harmon

– Sky vans to arrive by year end

– the four aircraft were “tried and tested” and are in suitable condition for use by the GDF

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, July 19, 2018

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon today, on the sidelines of the 92nd Sitting of the National Assembly, said the two islanders purchased by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will be arriving in Guyana shortly from Brazil.

As it relates to the two sky vans, Minister Harmon said additional work is ongoing with the contract, however, the aircraft, he anticipates will be here before the end of the year.

Minister Harmon rejected claims that there are problems related to the airworthiness of the aircraft.

During a press conference in May, the minister said the four aircraft were “tried and tested” and are in suitable condition for use by the GDF.

An inspection was also carried out by a team of personnel who provided a positive report on their condition.

Supplementary funding of $484, 239, 000 was sought from the National Assembly for the purchase of the four, fixed-wing aircraft. Some $213, 885,000 from within the GDF’s 2018 capital programme was utilised to meet the initial payments for the aircraft.

The procurement of the four aircraft is to ensure the safe transport of patients and other resources and will also be used for conducting search and rescue exercises in the hinterland.

By: Stacy Carmichael

Image: Jules Gibson