Dear Editor,
I wish to compliment our Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Mark Phillips, for effectively conducting these military maneuvers, which are enormous positive reinforcements on the psyche on our citizens of Guyana, many of whom are distressed over the despicable claims of the Venezuelan Government, to take our lands, our peoples, and drive terror into our hearts. Being “like a monkey on our backs,’ frustrating our development and that of our standard of living. Our President is right in saying that an end to this is the only way.
Our President, Excellency David Granger, is an astute Military Master. He is known for his insights into military warfare and as a military tactician, in addition to that of being an intellectual. Yet, he maintains his simplicity, and is always so very approachable by virtually anyone. He obviously is a major part of the planning and conduct of the entire exercise.
I wish to add my bit, as a citizen of Guyana, as one who loves his country beyond measure. I ask that Brigadier Mark Phillips think of the following:
- In the not too distant past, late last year and earlier this year, I spoke to him of my son’s interest in doing a short stint in the Armed Forces, even if it be at Camp Ayanganna, Georgetown for some basic military drills and exercises.. This young man has an enormous military calling. Even in the Cadet Corps, but it was not offered. I learned from the Brigadier and others that it was not in the statutes or procedures or policies of the Guyana Armed Forces/Guyana Defence Force. The Brigadier wanted to help and was concerned. Recently since, His Excellency, President Granger became president, being a military mind, he saw the needs and usefulness of reestablishing this Corps, which produced in the past, many great military minds and leaders, such as Retired Chief of Staff, Mr. Norman McLean, late Commissioner of Police, Mr. Laurie Lewis, Chief of Staff Joe Singh, and others. I beg that this be put in place earliest, policy-wise and logistically. Ambitious youths may lose the opportunity of serving their country, and even learning some basic military training for the disciplines that life may call for. At this juncture, this is too late for my son, who is finishing high school, and will proceed for University overseas. He stands disappointed. He intends to return and serve his country after he completes his studies.
- The establishment of the Reserve Unit, the People’s Militia is being spoken of as intended to be activated. Let us get this done Sir. Excellent idea, let us make every positive youth and Guyanese a soldier of the country.
- When a friend said jokingly at the opening of the Beepat’s Warehouse, “So Roshan I hear you will volunteer for the battle with Venezuela,” he was quite surprised with my answer. I said: “I am prepared to fight, even at this age of sixty, as I am still energetic, strong and full of power. So yes, my brother, I will volunteer……not a blade of grass, not one rice grain, not one cuirass, not a piece of ………..” Therefore, I suggest, persons such as myself, who understand leadership, administration and can motivate, that we also be encouraged to serve, with periodic training, even if to merely mobilise, do stocktaking, educate, even actual battle, if and when necessary, the door should be open for Guyanese such as ourselves, who put country before politics, and personal comfort.
Yours faithfully,
Roshan Khan
