Army Chief-of-Staff Brigadier General Mark Phillips urged servicemen and women of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and its civilian staff to display exemplary conduct in the run-up to and in performing their role and duties during the upcoming national elections.
Briefing ranks on Wednesday morning, Phillips commenced his address by stating that contrary to what has been peddled nationally, the GDF is a professional organisation and remains the stable band in the society. “Service to the nation remains our motto,” he was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the GDF. “A thoroughly professional approach is to be demonstrated and maintained at all times,” he added.
Phillips’ briefing comes amidst a continuing campaign by the incumbent PPP/C against the involvement of ex-military and police officials in the APNU+AFC coalition ahead of the polls.
PPP/C officials have warned their supporters that the opposition, by virtue of the involvement of ex-military officials, is seeking to establish a militarised state. Speaking at a People’s Progressive Party campaign rally at Albion Berbice on Sunday, former president Bharrat Jagdeo warned attendees that if the APNU+AFC coalition wins, it would compromise the military. “When they link up with the military, as they have done, and come into your homes and start kicking the doors down and when they come after you, who is going to be there?” Jagdeo said.
Both current and past members of the GDF and the police force have criticised Jagdeo, whom they have accused of scaremongering and insulting the men and women who are serving. “These comments serve to criminalise the military and put our soldiers at the risk of being attacked by persons who believe they will kick down their doors and bring them harm. I strongly condemn these statements as divisive and race baiting,” Rear Admiral (retired) Gary Best told Stabroek News. Best has endorsed the coalition.
At his briefing on Wednesday, Phillips said ex-military officers also have the right to participate in the political activities of Guyana. “We respect their service to Guyana,” he noted.
At the same time, Phillips pointed out that the army’s current operational decision-making is not influenced by ex-military officers. “We take orders from the duly-elected president of Guyana, our Commander-in-Chief President Donald Ramotar,” he reiterated, having noted that Ramotar as Commander-in-Chief still has the right to give instructions to the military.
Phillips further informed the ranks that they have a civic responsibility and that it is their constitutional right as citizens to exercise their franchise during the national elections by voting for the party of their choice. “Your vote and who you cast it for is your personal and private choice,” he said, though he cautioned ranks that it was unprofessional to exhibit any form of campaigning on any military base.
He also told ranks that there will be a large number of representatives from several countries and international groups here serving as elections observers and as such it is vital that the highest level of professionalism is maintained at all times. “You are to avoid any type of confrontational situations regarding political matters, and, if approached by political representatives on matters regarding the GDF, you must refer those persons to me,” he charged.
Military personnel and other members of the Joint Services will cast their ballots on Saturday, May 2. Military personnel will be confined from May 6 in preparation for deployment in support of the Guyana Police Force as becomes necessary.
Traditionally, the military votes several days ahead of the public so that troops can be available for service to the nation as need be, during and even after the national elections are over. General and regional elections will be conducted on Monday, May 11.
