THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) yesterday observed the 43 years existence of its Women’s Army Corps (WAC).

Celebrations of the milestone commenced with a religious service conducted by Reverend Lynette Smith in the Auditorium at Base Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands, Georgetown and those in attendance included male soldiers and representatives of the other Disciplined Services.

GDF Chief of Staff, Commodore Gary Best, in an address to the congregation, lauded the work of the women, who form a significant percentage of the Army and contributed to every area of its development.

He noted the record breaking achievement of Woman Private Melika Scotland, who graduated from the Basic Paratroopers Course last year, becoming the first female paratrooper in the GDF.

“Her historic achievement was a signal to the Corps and the GDF that the women are still on the rise to take every opportunity that is available to them,” Best remarked, to loud applause.

He proposed that the WAC plan a week of activities to mark next year’s anniversary and involve their male counterparts.

The GDF began to recruit females in 1966 after Venezuela laid claim to Ankoko island in the Cuyuni and more human resources were needed locally.