Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips, has briefed GDF officers and ranks, on the current political situation, particularly as it relates to President Donald Ramotar’s prorogation of Parliament, a release from the GDF said yesterday.
The release said he explained the security implications, and emphasised to the troops, the need for a sustained state of readiness to perform duties, in keeping with the mandate of the GDF, as stated in Section 5, Chapter 15:01 of the Defence Act in the Constitution which states that, “…The Force shall be charged with the defence of and maintenance of order in Guyana and with other duties as may from time to time be defined by the Defence Board.”
The release added that Phillips emphasised that their approach to their duties must be with the aim of ensuring the highest degree of professionalism at all times. He urged the troops not to become emotional but to remain vigilant and task oriented.
“We have a role to play as providers of our nation’s safety and security. To this end, all officers, other ranks and civilian employees of the force are expected to be in a state of readiness to ensure a professional commitment to our national role,” he said.
As it relates to its role to aid the civil powers in the maintenance of order, the GDF is committed to working in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force and other members of the Joint Services.
