The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officially launched its National Defence Institute (NDI) yesterday, aimed at providing specialised, accredited training on security issues through the expertise of local, regional, and international professionals. Located at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus, the NDI is set to begin classes next month, offering courses in cybersecurity and gang-related threats, among other key topics.
At the launch, held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Greater Georgetown, Head of State, President Irfaan Ali, used the opportunity to underscore the institute’s importance as part of Guyana’s national and regional defence strategy. “The National Defence Institute is not just another training institution. It is integral to our national and regional defence strategy, building capacity within our defence architecture,” President Ali stated.
He emphasized that the NDI will serve a wide range of stakeholders, including the private sector and students, with a focus on developing future leaders in defence. Ali further highlighted the institute’s regional role, aiming to establish it as the premier institution for defence studies in the Caribbean.
The NDI will work closely with international partners, including the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies in the United States, the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS), and CARICOM’s Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS). The president noted that the institute will act as a research hub, producing reports on various security challenges, including migration patterns, gang violence, and natural disasters.
Ali also addressed the evolving nature of security threats, pointing to technological advancements and the rise of non-traditional security concerns. He expressed gratitude that the NDI’s Assistant Director, Dr. Seon Levius, is a technology expert, emphasizing the need for regional integration of technology to address emerging threats.
The institute’s Director, Dr. Randy Persaud, provided an overview of the NDI’s structure, announcing that the first batch of students will commence an eight-week certificate course in October. The program will offer five courses aimed at enhancing national security policies and training security professionals. He also disclosed that a dedicated building for the NDI is in the conceptual stage, with long-term plans to offer higher-level degree programs by next year.
Colonel Sheldon Howell, Chairman of the NDI Advisory Board, praised the institute as a reflection of the government’s commitment to equipping security professionals with the skills needed to address modern security challenges. He highlighted the NDI’s role in safeguarding national interests while contributing to broader development goals.
GDF Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, emphasized the institute’s significance in providing evidence-based analysis of defence issues, noting that the NDI will play a key role in national security planning and overall development. He described the institute as an integral component of Guyana’s national development ecosystem, nurturing intellectual and operational capabilities in support of the country’s growth.
The NDI is set to serve as a vital platform for shaping Guyana’s defence strategies and policies, ensuring the country’s sovereignty and security in an increasingly complex global environment.
