Brazil military delegation on visit
Stabroek News
November 11, 2003
A five-member Brazilian Military delegation arrived in Guyana yesterday afternoon for a three-day bilateral staff conference with senior officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the second such meeting in two years. Brigadier General Urano Teixeira de Matta Bacellar, who heads the team of three colonels and one lieutenant colonel, touched down at Timehri, shortly after 5 pm and were met by senior officers of the local army.
Following a courtesy call on the GDF Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Michael Atherly today, the foreign delegation will meet their local counterparts at the Cara Inn in Georgetown to commence the three-day conference. Speaking briefly to members of the media in the VIP lounge, Bacellar explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening relations. "Guyana is a very important neighbour for Brazil. It has common frontier... we have good relationship," the Brigadier General stated, adding that the conference was also aimed at improving co-operation in channelling information on issues such as border protection and the eradication of drug smuggling.The continuation of training for members of the local army in Brazil is another consideration.
According to a release from the army, during the five-day stay, the Brazilians will be taken on guided tours around Georgetown. They will also visit the GDF Coast Guard and the Military Museum in Base Camp Ayanganna.
Among those on hand to receive the delegation yesterday were Military Attaché of the Brazilian Armed Forces, Colonel Jose Julio Dias Barreto; Commander of the First Infantry Battalion Col Lawrence Paul; Second in Command of the Second Infantry Battalion Lt Col Frank Bisphan; Lt Cmdr Trevor Blenman; Major Hubert Meusa; and Dr Stephen Monasingh.