A 2008 investigation launched by the military found that more than 150 weapons issued by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to external bodies in the 1970s, including sub-machine guns and grenade launchers, remain missing.
This is according to Lieutenant Colonel Sydney James, of the G2 Branch, who also told the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) yesterday that investigations are still ongoing into just when and how the personal file for a “W. Smith,” believed to be William Gregory Smith, had been moved from the army’s records. Smith has long been accused of delivering the explosive that caused Rodney’s death in a bomb blast on June 13, 1980.
Resuming his testimony yesterday, James said that though 237 weapons were issued, only 82 of these were returned.
James further said that the document showing just who the weapons were issued to and any other relevant information was prepared on Monday evening and was dated with yesterday’s date.
Weapons were reportedly issued to external organisations such as the Ministry of National Development and two names, ‘R. Corbin’ and ‘Corporal Skeete’, played recurring roles. According to James’ report, though weapons were issued to both individuals, the recipients named showed up in more than one capacities; R.Corbin’s name was linked to the Office