Expressing concern over these reports, the Army Public Relations Department stated in a release yesterday: "On Tuesday, November 26, at 14:00 hours, the Military Attaches of the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela were briefed on the medical condition of Private Thompson, and medical assistance was sought.

“Within one hour of the request being made, the Armed Forces of both states affirmed their ability to respond positively to the request.

“A decision was taken at Defence Headquarters that Private Thompson be evacuated on the first available means. The Brazilian Armed Forces were the quicker to respond, hence the soldier’s evacuation to Brazil. The Venezuelan Military Attache was contacted and requested to discontinue his efforts," the release said.

The Guyana Defence Force said that Private Thompson is at present receiving operative care at the Federal University Hospital of Manaus, Brazil. Thompson's mother, together with a senior officer of the Guyana Defence Force, will travel to Brazil during next week to visit and be further briefed on his medical condition.