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The two Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldiers, who survived Wednesday’s helicopter crash deep in the country’s jungle, were Friday morning still alive and were waiting to be airlifted from the crash site once the weather improves, according to senior security sector officials. “Both are well,” according to a high-ranking military officer. Friday morning’s assurance that both Lieutenant Andio Crawford and ...

Following is a statement by former President of Guyana, Retired Brigadier Arthur Granger on the passing of five members of the Guyana Defence Force in a helicopter crash on Wednesday. The incident occurred in bad weather about 30 miles from Arau near the Guyana border with neighbouring Venezuela. Following is the full text of Mr Granger’s statement. “I extend my ...

The death of five Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldiers in Wednesday’s helicopter crash has sent shockwaves throughout the country. Those who perished in the crash of the Bell 412 helicopter, bearing registration marking 8R-AYA were veteran helicopter pilot of 40 years, Lt Col. Michael Charles, Retired Brigadier Gary Beaton, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, and Staff Sergeant Jason ...

Five Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldiers died in Wednesday’s helicopter crash in Guyana’s Essequibo county about 30 miles east of the border with Venezuela, the GDF said. “The next phase of the operation involves the extraction from the area, followed by the commencement of an investigation into the incident,” GDF said. Among those who perished in the crash of the ...

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) would on Friday consider Guyana’s request for intervention into Venezuela’s violation of the International Court Justice’s (ICJ) order that prohibits that country from taking any action against Guyana’s administration and control of the Essequibo County. “Tomorrow, the United Nations Security C0uncil would be considering the request from Guyana,” he ...

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) helicopter that went down on Wednesday was spotted Thursday morning and a rescue team was being inserted into the mountainous and forested area, the defence force said in a statement. “The crash site where a Guyana Defence Force Bell 412 helicopter went down yesterday, has been positively identified and the aircraft spotted. “Search and rescue ...

The United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) will Thursday conduct flight operations within Guyana, in collaboration with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the American Embassy here announced. “This exercise builds upon routine engagement and operations to enhance security partnership between the United States and Guyana, and to strengthen regional cooperation,” the US embassy here said. The arrival of US soldiers from ...

Guyana’s parliamentary opposition coalition of A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) on Wednesday rejected Venezuela’s creation of the integral defence zone named ‘Guayana Esequiba’ and called for international condemnation of efforts to militarise the disputed region. The Parliamentary Opposition called on the local, regional and the international community “not only to reject this reckless action but also to ...

United States (US) Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken has reaffirmed his country’s “unwavering support” for Guyana’s sovereignty, in a conversation with President Irfaan Ali. Mr Blinken and Dr Ali noted the International Court of Justice order issued on December 1, which called for parties to refrain from any action that might aggravate or extend the dispute. With Venezuela’s President ...

The search and rescue operation for a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) helicopter, with seven officers aboard, would resume on Thursday because extremely bad weather over the rugged area prevented soldiers from spotting the aircraft on Wednesday, Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan said. “Those efforts in the area and the use of the two aircraft did not yield what we were looking ...