THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has refuted a statement, attributed to attorney-at-law Mr. Patrice Henry and published in various sections of the local media in their coverage of the occurrence of a soldier who has been charged with being in unlawful possession of one of the Army’s weapons.A press release, on Thursday, refutes the attribution to the lawyer who, in defence of his client, Lance Corporal Devon Harris, said it is entirely without merit that the culture of the arms store allows him to carry guns.

The GDF Security Standing Orders set out, very clearly, the procedures to be followed by its Arms Stores personnel with regard to the issuance of the Force’s weapons, the release stated.
“These orders expressly permit GDF Officers and Ranks to be in possession of its weapons only in the execution of their military duty. As an arms store personnel, Lance Corporal Devon Harris could not have issued, to himself, any weapon from the Force’s Arms Store, since this would be in direct contravention of the Security Standing Orders; nor was he permitted to have a weapon in his possession when not on military duty.
“It is instructive to note that an authority to issue document has to be signed by the Commanding Officer, for a weapon to be issued to any rank,” the GDF explained.
The Force, categorically, stated that there has never been nor currently is a “culture” within its administration and operations that facilitates, encourages or allows for any of its members to be in unlawful possession of the Force’s weapons or ammunition.