Guyana Defence Force does not cater for part-timers who want military training

Oct 29, 2015 Letters

Dear Editor,
I wish to complement our Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defense Force, Brigadier Mark Phillips, for effectively conducting these military manoeuvres, which are enormous positive reinforcements on the psyche on our citizens of Guyana, many of whom are distressed over the savage, wrong and 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 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 the Brigadier Mark Phillips think of the following:
1. 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 the Camp Ayangana, for some basic military drills and exercises.. This young man has an enormous military calling. Even as a 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 Defense 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 his completes his studies.
2. The establishment of the Reserve Unit, the Peoples 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 curass, not a piece of ……….. Therefore, I suggest, persons such as myself, who understand leadership, administration and can motivate, that we also be encourages to serve, with periodic training, even if to merely mobilize, do stock taking, 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.
3. There is nothing I can teach the Honourable Chief of Staff, the talented and well trained professionals officers, and soldiers. But, just to make a point, as a kind of emphasis and I am sure they thought of all this. Actual confrontation and battle in sea and land will be well planned and conducted from our side, but I think, if they, the self-proclaimed enemy, dare enter our country, we can make life very difficult for them with guerilla style warfare. Hit and run, search operations. This kind of warfare caused a major invading force in Afghanistan eventually dropping their military hardware and run for their lives after enormous losses, and in shame.
The peoples of Guyana are with our President, our Leadership of Guyana, and with our Guyana Defense Force. We are a people born for peace; goodwill and love in harmony for all; but they may think us too kind or too small, but may fail to realize we carry a big punch. In crisis and difficulties, we are like the American Machine….we become one! God Bless Guyana
Roshan Khan

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