GDF, Brazilian army begin high-level security exchange

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Wednesday welcomed senior representatives of the Brazilian Army for the opening of the 28th Regional Meeting of Military Exchange, reaffirming the two nations’ longstanding partnership in defence and security cooperation. The three-day engagement, being held at the World Trade Center Georgetown, underscores Guyana’s continued commitment to strengthening regional security frameworks and deepening military-to-military collaboration with its southern neighbour.

This year’s exchange is being chaired by Guyana, with the GDF delegation led by Lieutenant Colonel Dominic Shepherd, Commander of the 3rd Infantry Battalion. The Brazilian contingent is headed by Brigadier General Roberto Pereira Angrizani, Commander of the 1st Jungle Infantry Brigade based in Boa Vista.

The annual meeting, hosted alternately between the two countries, remains a pivotal mechanism for advancing bilateral defence relations. It facilitates joint planning, enhances border security coordination, and supports the continued development of operational interoperability between the GDF and the Brazilian Army.

Declaring the meeting open, Chief of Defence Staff (acting), Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts, MSM, urged both teams to adopt a focused and results-driven posture during their deliberations. He emphasised that the outcomes must be practical, measurable, and directly supportive of strengthening readiness and effectiveness across shared areas of responsibility.

Brigadier General Angrizani, in his remarks, commended the successes of recent joint initiatives along the Guyana–Brazil frontier. He highlighted the tangible impact of coordinated patrols in combating transnational crime, illegal mining, and illicit gold smuggling. These operations, he noted, have not only reduced cross-border threats but also enhanced safety for remote hinterland communities. Reiterating Brazil’s commitment to the partnership, he underscored the interconnected nature of regional security and the importance of sustained cooperation.

The meeting concludes today, when both delegations will evaluate ongoing projects, discuss emerging challenges, and outline new opportunities for expanded collaboration.