Allegations against GDF ranks most worrisome

The allegation of soldiers from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) being

involved in illegal activities in the interior is indeed a serious and worrisome matter and does not augur well for our nation.
Soldiers are supposed to be patriotic, disciplined and role models in any society as they are entrusted with the most important and responsible task of defending their country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Therefore, for soldiers to be involved in illegal activities is totally unacceptable and most disgraceful and cannot be condoned. In fact, if these allegations are found to be true, then they should be condemned in the strongest possible terms and those who are guilty should be dealt with the full force of the law.
The leadership of the GDF must be commended for its swift response to the allegations as would any army’s leadership that is worth its salt.
It has been alleged that soldiers went to several mining camps at Devil’s Hole, Cuyuni, (an isolated area) where they seized cannabis sativa (marijuana) from some drug pushers and smoked it, after which they descended on the miners last Friday.
The group identified as soldiers demanded all the raw gold from the hapless miners, most of whom were Brazilians.
The GDF categorically stated that any of its soldiers found culpable of this dastardly act will face the full brunt of Court Martial proceedings or the Civil Law.
Further, the GDF intends to seek the maximum penalty for anyone found guilty.
The GDF also assured miners of all nationalities that soldiers are not authorised to conduct any mining operations, except with the permission of the Chief Mining Officer.
“No such mining operations are, currently, authorised. In this regard, the mining community is advised that the Force will not tolerate its ranks committing offences and wishes to assure all miners that there must be no fear of recrimination by anyone in the Force.
“Any suggestion of recrimination by any serving rank must also be reported and those involved will also face the full brunt of the law,” the GDF said.
This most reassuring news from the GDF  should be welcomed by the entire nation, but if these allegations are found to be true it would  be just another manifestation of the lawlessness that exists in our society.
The GDF should also scrutinise recruits more rigorously to ensure that persons with criminal tendencies or connections do not become members of the army, because it would appear that some get into our security forces to further their criminal activities. And this is a very precarious and dangerous situation for our national security.
We have seen during the infamous “Buxton uprising” some members of our security forces embracing and aiding and abetting criminals. As such, we should have learned our lesson and take maximum precaution to ensure such collusion does not continue.
One would hope that the allegations are not true, because if they are found to be true, then it would put a deep dent into the image and integrity of the entire army.

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