President David Granger yesterday said that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) now has greater national reach and responsiveness and that investors can be assured that the force will employ all means at their disposal to protect their investments.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony for new GDF officers, the President’s remarks will be seen as aimed at offshore oil investors and others.
In his address at the Baridi Benab in the compound of State House, the President also paid tribute to those who suppressed the Rupununi Rebellion of 1969 and repelled the New River Invasion of the same year, noting that it was their courage and training that led to their success.
According to a release from the Ministry of the Presidency, the conferral of the Instruments of Commission was held to appoint the successful graduates of the Standard Officers’ Course No. 50 and the Reserve Officers’ Course No. 16.
“The conferral of the Instruments of Commission is a rite of passage signalling that each of you, singularly, is now an officer of the state. Your commissions are not certificates merely to mark the successful completion of a training course. They constitute the lawful licence for you to exercise authority as officers of the Republic,” President Granger noted, adding that they are challenged to uphold the motto of the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School which states, “I serve Guyana”.
Recalling the events of 50 years past, Granger stated that the army’s defence of the New River Zone exemplified the GDF’s military proficiency. He stated that their capabilities were “based on supreme courage, superior organization and superb training”.
“Guyana’s military history recounts that rebels seized control of the Rupununi Region – an area larger than the Republic of Costa Rica. It was in an attempt to secede from Guyana and establish an independent republic in January 1969. A Guyana Defence Force Task Force launched an operation to neutralise rebel positions in the north and south savannahs and restore central government authority throughout the Region,” he related.
He further stated that seven months later, in August of 1969, the Force launched a lightning strike against foreign intruders who attempted to seize the New River Zone, and successfully expelled the foreigners, thereby ensuring the sovereignty of the Government over its territory.
“Guyana remains a unitary and indivisible state because of the courage, competence and commitment of the Guyana Defence Force in these operations. These operations involved intelligent planning, intense training and innovative tactics. We pay tribute, today, to the leadership of those who suppressed the Rupununi Rebellion and defended the New River Zone – 50 years ago,” Granger stated, adding that their success vindicated the efforts at the time to develop a well-trained and highly talented corps of officers and soldiers.
He went on to highlight how fundamental training is to military service, noting that should it be neglected, the standards of the corps would fall.
Furthermore, he added that the GDF is building on its traditions and techniques of training in the local terrain, while focused on instilling the values of duty, discipline, identity, integrity and loyalty.
The President spoke about partnership developments in the Force, noting that they are pursuing co-operation with a number of countries and unlocking training opportunities for all ranks. “The rewards of these investments and partnerships are evident – the Force is improving its capacity to deter aggression, defend national sovereignty and ensure a safe, secure and strong state,” he said.
President Granger pointed out that since the GDF started its local training of officer cadets in 1969, the Force has welcomed cadets from the Caribbean states of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize and St Kitts and Nevis.
Pointing to other developments in the GDF, he noted that the Standard Officers’ Course has been continuously improved, and now includes an enhanced academic programme and intensified jungle, paratrooper and equitation training; the Reserve Officers’ Course has been reintroduced after a 10-year hiatus; and members of the Guyana People’s Militia are active and receiving training in all ten administrative regions to be able to respond effectively to the need for assistance, including in disaster relief.
There have also been improvements in the Technical Corps, and the acquisition of light reconnaissance aircraft and inshore patrol vessels have augmented the capabilities of the Air Corps and Coast Guard, respectively he said.
Additionally, the Intelligence Corps and Signal Corps are being reformed to improve intelligence, surveillance and communications, and the Engineer Corps is being recapitalised and has received training, while working along with the Brazilian Army in the drilling of wells in the Rupununi.
He also added that the GDF now has greater national reach and responsiveness, referencing Operation Armadillo, which is aimed at protecting Guyana’s frontier communities.
“Investors, on land and in our maritime zone, can be assured that the Force will employ every means at its disposal to protect their investments. Citizens can repose greater confidence in their Defence Force,” President Granger assured.
