Harmon denies former gov’t initiated purchase of US helicopters

Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon has stated that his government never approached the US State Department to purchase four Bell helicopters and equipment for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

“This agreement to purchase these helicopters was not done by us,” Harmon, who served as a member of the Defence Board, declared during a virtual press conference yesterday.

On October 30th, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced that it delivered the required certification and notified Congress of the possible sale of the helicopters.

“The Government of Guyana has requested to buy two (2) Bell 412EPi Light Utility Helicopters with customer-unique modifications; two (2) Bell 429 Light Utility Helicopters with customer-unique modifications; two (2) WESCAM MX-10 cameras; mission equipment; contractor-provided pilot and maintainer training; particular ground support equipment; spares; publications; integrated product support; technical assistance; transportation; Repair and Return; and other related elements of logistics and program support,” the release explained, while noting that the total estimated program cost is US$256 million.