Latest update April 1st, 2025 5:37 PM
GDF on high alert over political situation
Chief of Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips.
Officers and ranks of the Guyana Defence Force have been placed on alert for any eventuality that could stem from the fallout between the government and the combined parliamentary parties.
Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips, has briefed officers and ranks on the current political situation, particularly as it relates to President Ramotar’s prorogation of parliament.
The Chief of Staff explained the security implications, and emphasised to the troops, the need for a sustained state of readiness to carry out duties, in keeping with the mandate of the GDF, as stated in Section 5, Chapter 15:01 of the Defence Act in the Constitution.
The act states, “…The Force shall be charged with the defence of and maintenance of order in Guyana and with other duties as may from time to time be defined by the Defence Board.”
In his address to GDF troops, Brigadier Phillips emphasised that their approach to their duties must be with the aim of ensuring the highest degree of professionalism at all times.
He entreated the troops not to become emotional but to remain vigilant and task-oriented.
“We have a role to play as providers of our nation’s safety and security. To this end, all Officers, other ranks and civilian employees of the Force are expected to be in a state of readiness to ensure a professional commitment to our national role,” he said.
A press statement from Camp Ayanganna stated that the GDF is committed to working in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force and other members of the Joint Services, in keeping with its role to aid the civil powers in the maintenance of order.
The Chief of Staff’s appeal to his officer’s and ranks comes a few days after Leader of the Opposition, David Granger, called on Brigadier Phillips and Police Commissioner (Ag), Seelall Persaud, not to allow members of their respective services to be drawn into any unlawful actions against law-abiding citizens.
Opposition Leader, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger
The APNU leader’s statement came after the Parliamentary opposition announced a series of peaceful protests to raise public awareness over the President’s prorogation of Parliament Monday last.
“…Freedom of assembly, association and freedom to demonstrate peacefully, that [is] to say, his or her right to assemble freely, to demonstrate peacefully and to associate with other persons and in particular to form or belong to political parties, trade unions or other associations for the protection of his or her interests.”
A media release from the Party had stated that it is concerned and dismayed at newspaper reports that there has been sudden, heightened training by members of the Police Force in Georgetown under the Command of Senior Superintendent, Clifton Hicken.
“Brigadier Granger calls on officers and members of the GDF and GPF not to be swayed by perverse political directives aimed at provoking a disturbance of the peace or causing injury to innocent individuals. All members of the Defence Forces and Disciplined Services are required to behave in a professional manner in the performance of their duties. They are to ensure that the law is enforced and the Constitution is upheld,” the APNU release stated.
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