Dear Editor,

The Government of Guyana needs to learn from the shortcomings of the previous government when acquiring aviation assets. The aviation assets to be acquired must be affordable, cost effective to maintain, insured, continuously funded and always kept serviceable.

The previous government had in excess of ten (10) helicopters. The fleet was depleted during the previous government to one unserviceable Bell 412 helicopter over the years from a fleet comprising the following:

Two Alouette III’s which crashed in Guyana; one Bell 206 which crashed in Guyana and another which was sold because it was uneconomical to repair; one Bell 212 which crashed in Guyana; another Bell 212 which was sold because it was uneconomical to repair; a Bell 412 which survived over the years; and three Mi8 helicopters which were scrapped.

I must add that during that time, our bauxite was worth a lot of money and we had the ability to buy lots of new helicopters. It is different today based on the challenges faced by developing countries. Therefore, buying used aviation assets are our only option. We cannot afford new helicopters any more. The Bell 206 helicopters were the only immediate solution at this time based on the expanding multi-purpose roles of the GDF. They were immediately available, capable of being flown and maintained by competent Guyanese, priced right, properly configured and previously operated in Guyana.

Yours faithfully,
Richard Blair