THOUSANDS of troops from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were yesterday morning mobilised simultaneously at army bases across the country for “base musters” on the heels of the recent activities by Venezuela at its border with Guyana.The troops, many of whom reportedly came out from their annual leave, days-off and other personal engagements, were also part of the mobilisation “base musters.”
Army Chief of Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips first addressed the ranks at the Air Corps at Timehri, East Bank Demerara who were mobilised at 07:00hrs.
The army head made it clear that the mobilisation was not a sign that Guyana was ready for war, but more so to define aggression against this State at the border with Venezuela. GDF bases in Anna Regina, Corentyne, Lethem, the Soesdyke-Linden Highway and other parts were also part of the exercise, the Chief of Staff confirmed.

“This is not only to mobilise, but also to test the readiness of our troops, equipment and weapons,” the army head told the Air Corps troops as he pointed out that Guyana is a peaceful country.

He reiterated that the objective is to define aggression at our borders and not to initiate a war. Among the troops who gathered at the Air Corps base were members from the Special Forces and paratroopers. The paratroopers also did several jumps as part of their exercise to show off their capabilities and readiness for the Chief of Staff and some of his senior officers.
STRENGTHENING AIR CORPS
On the issue of strengthening the Air Corps, Mark Phillips told the media that they are presently in talks with the government through the new Defence Board on capacity-building for the Air Corps over the next five years.
He stated that presentations have already been made to the Defence Board and the unit will be built structurally. Phillips, however, made it clear that the GDF was not engaging in an arms race. Phillips made that comment after being reminded that Suriname recently boosted its Air Corps with the purchase of several helicopters.
To this, Phillips explained that Guyana will boost its Air Corps depending on the needs of the country and the department.
He further went on to comment that the Air Corps will see what it needs and those needs will have to be in keeping with the functions of that arm of the Guyana Defence Force and its mission and only then will a determination be made with respect to what needs to be purchased or not. On the issue of the very aged Bell 412 chopper which has been an asset of the GDF for years, the Chief of Staff told the media that the future of the aircraft is still under active discussion, even as it is out of service at the moment.
He confirmed that there was an assessment done of the helicopter, which showed that it is in need of extensive works. Phillips explained that the cost ventures of the bell 412 are now being done and the expenses are being looked at also.

BORDER ISSUES SETTLED
Over at base camp Stephenson, Phillips met another set of troops whom he reminded that the border controversy with Venezuela was settled back in 1899 and as far as the GDF is concerned, that is the final position on the matter.
With that said, he commented that it is now the work of the GDF to define any forms of aggression on the border, while pointing out that the border also includes the Cuyuni River which should be monitored for any form of incursion.
The troops were also told by their head that while their primary focus at this point is to define aggression at the border and report same to their superiors, they also have to be ready to defend Guyana.
Today (Saturday), the GDF will be having a route march around the streets of the city where it is expected that they will be showing off their artillery and part of their human capacity.
Asked for an update on the situation at the border, the Chief of Staff told reporters that based on his information, there is no indication that the Venezuelan Government has increased the troops that were placed there a few days ago.
He stated however, that the GDF is still monitoring the activity even as he confirmed that the Venezuelan Army still continues to have a presence at the border.

By Leroy Smith