UNITED STATES GENERAL PAYS COURTESY CALL ON THE COS

US General James Hill congratulated the Chief of Staff on his promotion and appointment, when he paid a courtesy call to his office on Tuesday 2004-07-13. The two Generals discussed the UN’s mandated deployment of troops to Haiti and the possibility of CARICOM troops being asked to support the UN’s mission in Haiti. Discussions also included Exercise New Horizon 2004 and the positive feedback being generated by the public. The possibility of purchasing equipment for air, sea and vehicle assets was also discussed. There was also mention of the possibility of hosting Exercise Trade Winds Maritime phase in 2005, once it did not conflict with interest generated by other countries.

INDIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER PAYS COURTESY CALL ON THE COS

Indian High Commissioner Mr Avnash Gupta paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force Brigadier General Edward Collins on Wednesday 2004-06-23. In his discussions with the Chief of Staff, he expressed gratitude for the arrangements which were in place for the INS TABAR’s port call to Georgetown. Discussions pertaining to training in Military Courses and the possibility of procuring arms and ammunition from India were also held.

CHINESE AMBASSADOR PAYS COURTESY CALL ON THE COS

The Chinese Ambassador Mr. Song Tao in his discussions with the Chief of Staff expressed the desire to maintain and strengthen the level of cooperation between the two countries. Mention was made of the improvement of the acrostics and performance of the Military Band which had received training by Chinese Instructors. An invitation was also extended to the Chief of Staff for him to visit China. These discussions were held on Wednesday 2004-07-07 when Mr. Tao paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force Brigadier General Edward Collins.

ELECTION COMMISSION CHAIRMAN PAYS COURTESY CALL ON THE COS

Election Commission Chairman, Mr Steve Surujballi paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force on Tuesday 2004-06-29. The focal point of discussion was the Military’s role in Guyana with specific reference to Military Coups. Mention was made of coups which had occurred in countries such as Sierra Leone, Liberia and Pakistan. The COS and the Election Chairman also discussed the importance of the Military especially during elections. General discussions were held on the political situation as it existed in Guyana.

GUYANA NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION MEMBERS PAYS COURTESY CALL ON THE COS

Representatives of the GNRA in their discussions with the Chief of Staff Brigadier General Edward Collins, when they paid a courtesy call to his office on Thursday 2004-07-01. The representatives alluded to the fact that they needed the involvement of the Guyana Defence Force in their organization, so as to offset the prices they were currently paying for arms and ammunition. However, the Chief of Staff indicated that the GDF will have a titular role, but giving the GNRA all the support they needed. The training of GDF’s marksmen by the GNRA was also discussed.

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION PAYS COURTESY CALL TO THE COS

Representatives of the Guyana Football Association held discussions with the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force Brigadier General Edward Collins when they paid a courtesy call to his office on Thursday 2004-07-01. In their discussion with the Chief of Staff they indicated that they wanted to improve the level of football in the GDF, because the organization has over the years, produced a number of players and technical staff at the national level and also provided their organization with facilities once requested.