Gov’t to make final decision on purchase of helicopters from US

The Government of Guyana has not made its final decision on whether to purchase the four helicopters approved for sale by the US State Department.

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill told reporters at the sidelines of an event on Wednesday that “at this stage, I don’t think we have a final decision…there is nothing in the 2020 budget to facilitate that acquisition at this time.

“…look out for the next few months, you will know if we’re going with that and if we’re buying all four at the same time.”

The US State Department on October 30 said approval was granted for the sale of the Bell 412EPi and 429 Helicopters and related equipment to Guyana at an estimated cost of US$256 million.

A press release from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said the actual cost of the helicopters and equipment can be less depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

The Government of Guyana in 2019 requested to buy two Bell 412EPi Light Utility Helicopters with customer-unique modifications, two Bell 429 Light Utility Helicopters with customer-unique modifications, two WESCAM MX-10 cameras, mission equipment and contractor-provided pilot and maintainer training.

Also requested were particular ground support equipment, spares, publications, integrated product support, technical assistance, transportation, repair and return, and other related elements of logistics and program support, according to the DSCA.

It noted that the proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve security of Guyana, which is expected to grow to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in South America.