Government’s continued capital investment in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is geared towards the long- term goal of achieving a modern Air Corps and Coast Guard, President Irfaan Ali yesterday said as he challenged the force to be ready to respond to any crisis the nation could face.
Addressing officers at the GDF Annual Officers’ Conference yesterday at Base Camp Ayanganna, Georgetown, Ali said the country must be able to monitor and protect the fast growing activities in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the forests.
“The Guyana Defence Force could look forward to continued capital investment to help better police our territorial waters, and exclusive economic zone, our borders and our territory… Over the long term, we are looking to develop a modern air corps and coast guard… it is a critical aspect of national security,” Ali noted as he assured officers of his government’s commitment to equip the sector.
He stated too that his government is now looking at the expansion of interior runways to make a determination on the right equipment needed to enhance the work of the GDF. He stated that for years, the length of the runway has prevented them from selecting the most suitable piece of equipment for the force. However, when the revision and assessment are completed, they will be in a position to purchase the right equipment to boost the sector.
However, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces pointed out that in order to achieve the objective of a modern force, there must be strong leadership and administration, with officers being equipped with the necessary tools and skills. He was quick to add, nonetheless, that the right attitude must also be part of the formula to achieve a 21st century defence force.
“You can have exposure to all the trainings but if your attitude is not right, then the training will never be right for you.”
The President also called on the GDF to develop a manual that can be used for the training of junior officers and communities on the border. He stated that there is a need for more skilled officers to be on the borders and engaged in training and become more knowledgeable on national matters. He also said that they must be aware of the nation’s position on protecting territorial integrity and sovereignty
“Guyana must never be found wanting when it comes to addressing security threats, whether emanating within or outside our borders. And when I speak about security threats and challenges, I refer not only to what is termed the hardcore threats and challenges…” President Ali stated.
Ali added that the time is right for retraining, retooling and re-educating of the force’s officers. This, he posited, will address inefficiencies and lead to a better quality of leadership in the force.
He told the top brass of the army that coming out of the two-day conference, he would like to see the development of a manual that can be used to educate and train not only ranks based on the borders but all men and women in uniform so they too can have an understanding of the country’s position on national security matters.
“I have expressed my concerns in some of these areas and I am sure that they will be addressed. This conference must come out with the specific agenda of addressing this issue. I want to see out of this conference a manual on our borders; that every officer posted at our border location must have that manual and be trained in that manual and must be and must be able to train others from that manual.”
State of readiness
In his address, the Commander-in-Chief challenged the GDF to become a proactive agency and to always be in a state of readiness to respond to national issues ranging from security issues to natural disasters and crisis.
Ali pointed out that the GDF must be able to respond to any energy crisis, fuel crisis, food security crisis, in addition to security threats and crises. He told the officers that the force must engage in a new mindset and to have a proactive approach.
“If for example, there is a crisis in the supply of fuel and we don’t have fuel for a period of three, four days, we know the consequences of that, and we must not be reactive, because we are identifying that as a challenge now.”
Further, the president expressed the wish to see the GDF spearheading the lead in the delivery of emergency disaster and medical emergency responses. He posited that the force is equipped with the skills and resources and is in the position to achieve this objective.
Outgoing Chief of Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess in his address stated that the force is in a position to defend Guyana’s territorial integrity.
He declared that ranks are on the border 365 days standing ready to defend the country from external security threats such as the Venezuela claim to the Essequibo region.
“We remain deployed on our borders 365 days every year as we seek to defend the territorial integrity of Guyana. Further, we continue to keenly monitor the judicial process at the International Court of our long standing border (controversy) with Venezuela,” the Chief of Staff said before adding that while the Guyana government is committed to a peaceful resolution, “the Guyana Defence Force stands resolute in defence of our territorial integrity.”
He disclosed that the funds from this year’s budget will support and equip ranks with the tools, skills and resources to be ready for the battlefield if the need arises.
Bess added that the force is also in a better position to handle domestic disturbances and all ranks are on high alert to avert any threats that may arise.
“Our officers and ranks remain on high alert, ready to give support and work with our local agencies to address any occurrence that has the potential to interrupt the smooth function of society, whether it be civil disturbance or natural disaster,” the Chief of Staff said in his final annual officer’s conference.
Bess will hand over the mantle of head of the defence force to an officer who is yet to be announced. He is due to proceed on retirement in May.
