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Army mulls disciplinary action in Tacama shooting
The accidental shooting of Lieutenant Othneil Hope and recruit Vernon Harding last month occurred as a direct result of
Recruit Vernon Harding
a breach of Force policies. Recommendations are being studied for possible initiation of disciplinary action, an army release stated yesterday.
“The Guyana Defence Force has concluded investigations into the accidental discharge of a weapon by one of its Officers, causing injuries to himself and a Recruit at the Colonel John Clarke Military School at Tacama on Sunday May 18, 2014,” the army’s Public Relations Department said.
According to the release, investigations have revealed that the incident was a direct result of a breach of Force Policies, paramount among them, those in relation to the carriage of a Service pistol and its handling in the presence of recruits.
“The findings and recommendations from the Board of Inquiry are now being studied for possible initiation of disciplinary actions,” it added.
According to the statement, Chief of Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips has met Harding’s relatives. The wounded recruit and Lieutenant Hope are being treated at the GDF’s medical facility at Base Camp Ayanganna.
“The Guyana Defence Force wishes to assure the nation, particularly the families of our current Recruits that this was an isolated incident and there is no threat to life or limb of their loved ones who are on our training bases,” the statement said.
According to reports, Lieutenant Othneil Hope and recruit Vernon Harding were injured when Hope, a training officer, accidentally discharged his firearm in a barrack-room at the army’s Tacama base.
Army sources said that Harding, the recruit, alleged that Lieutenant Hope had accidentally shot himself in the leg with his own firearm. Harding also reportedly said that he had gone to the Lieutenant’s assistance when the firearm went off again, causing him (Harding) to be wounded in the arm and abdomen.
Army sources said that it is “unusual” for a rank to have a loaded weapon in a barrack-room.
The recruit’s mother, Anita Harding, had said that when her son was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, she overheard some ranks saying that Lieutenant Hope was cleaning his firearm and accidentally shot himself and her son.
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