Dear Editor,
I would like to respond to a letter written by A Persaud captioned “The army’s continuing inefficiency is most disconcerting” (07.12.8). The writer also stated in the letter: “The citizens of Guyana cannot afford to continuously live in fear due to the inefficiencies and lack of professionalism by the Guyana Defence Force.”
I agree that the nation expects that the army will not lose any more weapons, in fact it should not have lost any at all.
However, I do not agree with the caption of the letter nor the allegations of inefficiency and unprofessionalism levelled against the army as it stands today. This statement suggests two things: that the army was inefficient and unprofessional, and that the army is and continues to be inefficient and unprofessional.
I would be careful about making such generalization. I agree that the army was (emphasis on was) inefficient and unprofessional. Some 30 weapons were lost and the conduct of the immediate past officers is shocking. But the “is” factor is not accurate. It would be highly inaccurate to suggest that the army is (emphasis on is) inefficient and unprofessional.
In fact the army noted that the recent loss of a weapon was not due to “systems failure.” It was human failure. Thus, if there is any efficiency and unprofessionalism at all, it is with those elements within the force who are deliberately attempting to disparage the new administration coupled with ‘external elements.’ As such, careful analyses of all the circumstances suggest that the problem is deep-seated; very much more than meets the eye. Besides, it is time for any disgruntled and disloyal serving and past member of the army to quit this behaviour and lend support to the entire GDF in order to foster unity and strength.
Nevertheless I submit that the President selected the cream of the crop, the best and most competent of the army officers, when he decided to place a new management team in the army. It was not by luck or chance. These officers earned their offices; they are intelligent, competent and reputable. In fact, Commodore Best was the best graduating cadet in his time and continued to be a shining star until now.
But, this letter is not about the Commodore’s curriculum vitae. It’s about an accusation of “inefficiencies and lack of professionalism” to quote A Persaud. I will say this: it seems Persaud is among visitors, who may bring money and gifts for their “less fortunate loved ones in Guyana.” While this is commendable, I’m not sure whether this person is au fait with the recent developments. In fact it is appalling that someone could tie the past inefficiencies and unprofessionalism of the army to the current administration.
This administration is fresh. There has been no continuity. In fact, there was a break in the chain of passing over command thanks to Brigadier (rtd) Edward Collins. He did not care about continuity. He cared about himself and he has demonstrated this openly and in many ways. Again there is no continuity; past inefficiencies and unprofessionalism went out the door along with their masters.
In fact this administration has just taken over the reins and have cleaned up a lot of the mess and lacunae created and left by the last administrators of the army. Moreover, Brigadier (rtd) Collins attempted to further muddle up the muddle when he conducted his sinister farewell talks to his troops. Now I do not feel sympathy for him.
This new Chief-of-Staff and his team have been working beyond the call of duty to ensure that the mess is cleaned, the lacunae are filled, and in addition are working to restructure the army physically as well as create a new mindset among the staff. I admit, they have only been there just over three months and may not be publishing all their achievements thus far. However, we have to be careful if we are going to refer to this new administration as inefficient and unprofessional. The new top brass are efficient and professional, in fact if Persaud was following the news he/she would have realized that “professionalism” is the watchword for the force and they have been living up to it.
Nevertheless, while no weapon should go missing, the army must be commended for the immediate action taken to recover the weapon and for quickly apprising the nation. They must stop at nothing to recover this and all the other weapons. They must leave no stone unturned. They must implement even stringent measures to protect not only weapons, but all property and life within the army community.
Yours faithfully,
Jane White
