GDF at 61

Nov 05, 2026 Editorial, News

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(Kaieteur News) – The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has reached another significant milestone, marking 61 years of service to the nation. For more than six decades, generations of men and women have answered the call to defend Guyana’s territorial integrity, protect its sovereignty and serve its people, often under difficult and dangerous circumstances. Their contribution deserves recognition, appreciation and, above all, respect.

As the Force enters its 62nd year, we join in congratulating its officers, ranks, reservists, civilian staff, veterans and the families who have supported those in uniform. The GDF remains one of the country’s most important national institutions, and its role in safeguarding our borders and responding to national emergencies cannot be overstated.

President Irfaan Ali, in his anniversary message, reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to strengthening and modernising the military. He pointed to investments in new vessels and aircraft, modern barracks, forward operating bases, expanded training and improved living conditions for soldiers. These investments are necessary. Guyana’s growing economic and strategic importance, coupled with persistent threats to its territorial integrity, demands a capable, properly equipped and professionally trained military.

We also welcome the President’s call for the GDF to remain professional, apolitical and firmly loyal to the Constitution. Indeed, these are principles that must never be compromised. However, while the President is right to remind the military of its constitutional obligations, his own words must be matched by the actions of his administration.

There have been complaints from several serving and former officers that they have been sidelined under the current administration. There are also concerns about an increasing rate of attrition, with experienced officers leaving the Force amid dissatisfaction with policies and decisions affecting their careers. Several officers have expressed concern about what they regard as an excessively heavy governmental hand in the internal affairs of the military.

These concerns cannot simply be dismissed or brushed aside. The GDF is a national institution, not an extension of the governing party or the personal instrument of any political administration. Its loyalty must be to Guyana and its Constitution, not to the political fortunes, preferences or ambitions of those occupying the seat of government.

If the President genuinely wants an apolitical military, then his Government must demonstrate the same commitment. Professional appointments, promotions, transfers and career advancement must be guided by merit, competence, experience and established institutional procedures. Officers must not be made to feel that their professional futures depend on political favour or proximity to the administration. There is a fundamental difference between civilian oversight of the military, which is a legitimate feature of democratic governance, and political interference that undermines the institution’s independence, morale and professionalism. The former strengthens democracy; the latter weakens the military and ultimately the country.

An increasing loss of experienced personnel should concern every Guyanese. Military experience is not accumulated overnight. It takes years of training, discipline, operational exposure and leadership development to produce competent officers. When capable personnel become disillusioned and leave, the Force risks losing institutional knowledge that cannot easily be replaced.

At the same time, we urge the officers and ranks of the GDF to guard against any temptation to depart from the high ideals of military service. Disappointment, perceived injustice or political pressure must never become an excuse for indiscipline, partisan conduct or the abandonment of constitutional responsibilities. The uniform carries obligations that transcend personal grievances and political disagreements.

We commend Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan and the leadership of the Force for the responsibility entrusted to them. As he rightly emphasised, modernisation and operational readiness must go hand in hand with integrity, professionalism and patriotism. The GDF must remain an institution in which merit is respected, discipline is upheld and service to country comes before self.

President Ali’s invocation of loyalty to the Constitution must be reflected in how his Government treats the institution and the men and women who serve within it. Guyana needs a strong GDF, free from partisan influence, respected by its officers and trusted by the population. As we wish the Force continued success in its 62nd year, let its proud traditions endure, its independence of professional judgement be protected, and its personnel remain steadfast in their sacred duty to defend this nation.

 

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• Editorial, Guyana Defence Force, Guyana’s territorial integrity, Milestone

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