BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts and Nevis — A contingent of soldiers from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is in Saint Kitts and Nevis for the Federation’s 43rd Independence celebrations and will join local troops for Saturday’s Ceremonial Independence Parade.

The contingent, led by Lieutenant Darick Griffith, arrived in the Federation on Wednesday, September 16, and will march alongside armed and unarmed units at Warner Park on Saturday, September 19.

Acting Commander of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF), Major Kayode Sutton, welcomed the visiting soldiers and said their participation reflects the growing relationship between the two defence forces.

The visit follows a Memorandum of Understanding on Non-Lethal Defence and Security Operations signed between the GDF and SKNDF in April 2025.

“To have the Guyana Defence Force contingent celebrating with us this year is really significant, and the relationship between Guyana and Saint Kitts and Nevis can only get stronger from here,” Sutton said.

The GDF contingent took part in rehearsals on Thursday, with Sutton noting that the troops were able to integrate easily with local forces.

“That tells you how synchronised our training is because the drills that we do in Saint Kitts and Nevis are exactly the same drills that they do in Guyana,” he said.

The soldiers are expected to take part in Saturday’s parade at Warner Park from 6 p.m., while also engaging in routine activities alongside SKNDF personnel during their stay.

Sutton said he was pleased to have the Guyanese contingent participate in this year’s celebrations and indicated that further collaboration could follow.

The 2025 MOU provides opportunities for training, personnel exchanges, technology transfer and mentorship between the two defence forces. It also creates opportunities for other national security agencies in Saint Kitts and Nevis, including those involved in law enforcement and border protection, to benefit from the cooperation.

The Guyanese soldiers are expected to return home next week.

Saint Kitts and Nevis is celebrating its 43rd anniversary of Independence under the theme, “One People, One Vision, Endless Possibility, Independence 43.”