Dear Editor,
It has been noted that former president, Bharrat Jagdeo stated that the alliance between the coalition and former military personnel is something to be feared. Jagdeo is further quoted as saying “When they link up with the Military and come into your homes and start kicking the doors down, and when they come after you, who is going to be there?”
These statements are an attempt to demonise both serving and former members of the Joint Services. Does he expect them to support his party after such despicable utterances?
I trust that those to whom he has referred, have noted these statements and Jagdeo’s attempt to disgrace our most noble profession. I urge them to act and vote appropriately.
Jagdeo also stated at a recent Freedom House press conference that the Army may have decided not to go after the criminals during the crime wave of the 2000’s. As a result of this crime wave, the GDF established what was called the Military Criminal Investigation Department (MCID). The aim of this department was not only to go after the known criminal elements, but also to pursue the architects of the crime wave.
Jagdeo ordered the closure of the MCID, thus bringing to an end the process that would have ended the criminal activities.
Jagdeo’s major fear was that this department, apart from exposing the criminal architects, may have also led to the arrest of senior government functionaries.
The Govt’s attack on the Military and Veteran communities has served to unify all Joint Services Vets to support the Coalition.
That a commander-in-chief and a former commander-in-chief have set out to demonise their country’s Military is a clear indication of the depths to which the nation has descended. The Coalition offers us the hope of rescue. Let’s throw our support behind David and Moses.
Yours faithfully,
George Gomes
Lieutenant Colonel (retired)