Dear Editor,
I refer to the article published in the Stabroek News on the 5th April 2008 regarding the purchase of two Bell 206 helicopters by the Government of Guyana for the Guyana Defence Force.
In early 2007, I requested an audience with the HPS Dr. Roger Luncheon and Chief of Staff Commodore Gary Best to address the unserviceable Bell 412 helicopter which the military was incapable of operating due to the unbelievably high operating cost associated with the 27-year-old helicopter. I presented a “Trade” for the ill fated Bell 412 and offered two Eurocopter helicopters and one Fixed- wing Islander aircraft. This trade was rejected by the military because the Guyana Defence Force was not interested in switching aircraft manufacturers due to their long association with Bell helicopters. My company then submitted two additional Bell helicopter “Trade” presentations to replace the Bell 412. These discussions were put on the “back burner” because of the unfortunate massacre in Lusignan.
I was immediately contacted by the HPS Dr. Roger Luncheon and was specifically asked to contact COS Commodore G. Best to assist in the acquisition of two helicopters. I immediately contacted Commodore Best who directed me to the Com-manding Officer of the Air Corps, Lieutenant Colonel C. Kyte. I was informed that he was in charge of the acquisition process and the Commodore was completely reliant on his expertise since he is also the Chief Engineer for the GDF Air Corps and has maintained this appointment for many years.
Lt .Colonel Kyte indicated to me the decision was made to purchase two Bell 206 Jet Rangers and I was more than welcome to submit my proposals.
My group here in the United States initiated and researched the world database for the best Bell 206 Jet Ranger options that were also within the Government’s budgetary guidelines. Two presentations were submitted that included newer variants for both Bell and Eurocopter. The two Bell helicopters purchased by the Guyana Government were not included in any presentations submitted by my group. We would not have and did not recommend these two specific rotorcraft. The Eurocopter rotorcraft’s superiority to the Bell 206 Jet Ranger is so significant that the United States Military signed a Multi-Billion US dollar contract in 2007 with a “Foreign” manufacturer (Eurocopter) to replace the Bell light rotorcraft fleet.
This unprecedented decision to go against a US manufacturer and replace most of their fleet is testimony to the fact that the Eurocopter is the better choice due to proven reliability and demonstrated ability with top military and specialized police units worldwide. After the presentations were submitted, my group was never contacted by the Guyana Defence Force regarding the acquisition of the two rotorcraft.
Follow up calls were made and we were then advised by the COS that a local group was chosen to work with the GDF and the purchase of two Bell 206 Jet Rangers were in an advanced stage. The COS explained that both aircraft were inspected and okayed by the competent staff of the Air Corps. Our assistance was still offered once again, however, we never received any call to assist.
We subsequently read in the local newspaper that two helicopters were purchased by the Guyana Government. I researched the proposed sale using local news links and found out the specifications of the Costa Rican Bell 206. A phone call was immediately made to COS Commodore Best to offer further assistance. He informed me that this was not necessary since his team had secured the two helicopters.
Further, Lt. Colonel C. Kyte and Mr. Lex Barker expressed their success to the COS in acquiring two excellent rotorcraft that were not only well-equipped but came with extensive spares and accessories.
I categorically would like to state that I was not involved in the acquisition, purchase or transportation of these two Bell 206 Jet Rangers for the Guyana Defence Force. I also state that I had no contact with Mr. Lex Barker and associates, nor was I ever invited to be part of this process with Mr. Barker and associates. I would be more than happy to assist my country, my people and the Guyana Defence Force in future aviation consultations.
Our reputation in the aircraft sales industry speaks for itself and we have never been plagued with a single distasteful remark after we sold an aircraft.
I am happy to state that most of my business is from client referrals and repeat customers. I would like to add that our country has a great Commander-in-Chief and a very competent Chief of Staff.
They completely rely on the technical expertise and guidance from specific departments and personnel. Lt. Colonel Kyte personally inspected both aircraft at their respective locations in Costa Rica and Texas and gave them both very high evaluation “Blessings”.
Regretfully, all indications point to a terrible deal. It is very sad that at a time when the President and the Chief of Staff are doing their very best for our nation to acquire assets in an expeditious manner to stop another Lusignan and Bartica that the country with already limited resources may be hurt once again by individuals that have procured substandard equipment for our country to operate.
Yours faithfully,
Mike Brassington
