The United States Southern Command’s Tradewinds 2023 exercise commenced on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at the Drill Square, Base Camp Ayanganna, with Guyana co-hosting the event for the third time.
The exercise’s primary objective is to bolster the region’s capability to mitigate, plan for, and respond to crises, while also enhancing regional training and refining existing Standard Operating Procedures.
Participating in the exercise are 1500 troops from 20 countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, Canada, France, Jamaica, and Suriname.
Over the next two weeks, they will engage in various activities aimed at achieving the exercise’s overarching goals.
United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, announced a notable addition to this year’s focus – human and fundamental rights.
The exercise aims to incorporate gender considerations into military operations to ensure the proper application of human rights principles.
Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Omar Khan, highlighted the exercise’s significance in addressing common threats and challenges.
Troops will undergo comprehensive training in disaster and risk management, as well as simulated oil spill scenarios.
The public is urged not to be alarmed when witnessing exercises taking place in their vicinity as they form a crucial part of the training process.
The Tradewinds 2023 exercise seeks to foster regional collaboration and preparedness, ensuring a coordinated and effective response to potential crises and challenges in the region.