Dear Editor,
In less than two weeks the people of Guyana will be going to the Polls to elect a political party of their choice to conduct the affairs of our country for the next five years; God’s willing.
It will be the most hotly contested and decisive elections since independence.
The speeches, political advertisements and responses will become more intense as polling day approaches.
The Guyana Defence Force has unfortunately become a focal point, as a result of the involvement of some retired senior officers and other ranks on the political platform of APNU/AFC.
Reference has also been made to the Force’s alleged role in the political process during the tenure of the PNC in Government. Those who believe that its use then, was salutary, are grievously mistaken.
At a recent PPP/C meeting in Berbice, comments made by one of the main speakers, elicited some rather serious responses from the said senior officers. I do believe that some of their concerns were valid.
I am of the opinion that the said statements will be used by some politicians and other groups to advance their agenda.
The Guyana Defence Force is a professional organisation, and even though some of its members have their own political preferences, I am certain it will not impact on the execution of their constitutional mandate.
The Guyana Defence Force unlike the Guyana Veterans Legion, does not have the luxury nor intention of publicly endorsing any political party. The Force is a National Institution, and as such would be committing a serious mistake were they to follow the action of the Guyana Veterans Legion.
The motto “Country, Constitution, Unit,” should be embraced by all ranks. The belief or concept of ethnicity should be taboo to all serving ranks of the Force.
Shakespeare’s Henry V, in a discourse with Westmoreland, in describing his troops on the eve of the Battle of Agincourt (1415), referred to them as “we few, we happy few, we band of Brothers.”
I do believe that the Guyana Defence Force, is an example of that description made some six hundred years ago.
It is a credible institution, and regardless of its misuse by politicians of a bygone era, it is the bulwark against anarchy in our country.
I wish them well in the ensuing months.
Yours faithfully,
CS Vaughn, MSM
Major (Rtd)