The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has concluded a five-day Search and Rescue (SAR) Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) with members of the Florida National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group.
A release today from the GDF said that the exchange brought together 33 members of the GDF from units across the Force and five members of the Florida National Guard. The programme focused on SAR planning, command and control, and mission execution, with emphasis on the operational judgement required during complex rescue operations.
The government and the GDF were heavily criticized for the poor response to the July 18 capsizing of the MV Barima. Seventy-three bodies were recovered and around 30 persons are missing. It has been argued that many of the persons who died could have been rescued if the GDF/government search and rescue response was better organized and equipped.
The GDF release yesterday said that participants combined classroom instruction with practical exercises covering mission planning, incident command, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, specialised equipment handling and SAR techniques. Field scenarios required participants to demonstrate these procedures under simulated operational conditions, strengthening casualty management, rescue team coordination and decision-making under pressure.
The release said that the exchange also deepened military cooperation between the GDF and the Florida National Guard by sharing operational knowledge and established practices. It improved interoperability and strengthened the Force’s ability to conduct coordinated SAR operations that require integrating personnel, specialised equipment, and multiple
operational elements.
“Guyana’s operating environment demands the ability to respond quickly and effectively to incidents across jungle, riverine, maritime and remote areas. Training exchanges such as this strengthen the GDF’s search and rescue capability, ensuring that the Force’s personnel are better prepared to protect lives and support communities when emergencies arise”, the release added.
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