COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF of the Armed Forces of Guyana, President David Granger on Sunday announced that Guyana will from now on celebrate November 1 as “Defence Day”. The President made the announcement during his address to senior officers and members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) at the Force’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

The occasion was marked with a church service held at the National Cultural Centre, Georgetown, Guyana.
Mr Granger said the declaration signifies the appreciation Guyanese have for the members of the GDF.
“I give notice that as a token of the gratitude of the nation to our military men and women, I intend to declare that today 1st November and that this day every year hereafter shall be observed throughout the nation as Defence Force Day,” the President said to a resounding applause from the gathering.
The church service was also attended by former senior officers of the GDF, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Ministers of the Government and other special invitees.
President David Granger told the well-attended gathering that he was honoured to be the Commander-in-Chief at the time when the GDF is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
“The 50th anniversary of the Defence Force finds our future along the road of consolidating our defence. We are forming our democracy, protecting our territory and making Guyana a safer place for all of us. We owe a debt of gratitude to our soldiers and veterans for 50 years of service,” the President said.
ETERNALLY GRATEFUL
Mr Granger, a historian, also reminded that the GDF came into being on November 1, 1965, a few months before Guyana gained Independence from British Guiana. He said the entire nation is eternally grateful to the men and women who continue to serve with commitment, constancy and courage in the GDF.
The former Brigadier and now Commander-in-Chief, dressed in black tuxedo adorned with his military badges, impressed upon the serving officers of their duty under the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
To this end, he urged them “to defend national independence, preserve the country’s sovereignty and integrity and guarantee the normal functioning of institutions and security of citizens against any harm or aggression”.
The GDF for the past 50 years has admirably fulfilled its constitutional obligation to the nation.
The Army continues to be vigilant over Guyana’s land and sea borders as it discharges its mandate to protect Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
During the church service, the President also spoke about the GDF Air Corps which has undertaken missions of mercy, relief and surveillance. The infantry, he added has dutiful and diligently supported the civil power in maintaining order.

The Engineer Corps, Mr Granger said, is now being restructured to participate fully in hinterland infrastructural development while the Coast Guard has patrolled the territorial waters.
In addition, the Special Force Unit has launched numerous search and rescue missions in the hinterland. And last but not least, the Reserve Force and the Guyana Peoples’ Militia have supported and reinforced the regular Force in its training and operations in accordance with the Defence Force Act.
DOCTRINE OF PEACE
Despite the current controversy with Venezuela, the Head of State reminded the gathering that Guyana’s national defence doctrine is one of peace.
On that score, he called on all to support the GDF, saying that the Army will never let them down.
“We are confident that the GDF in the future as in the past, will always honour and uphold the Constitution and we are encouraged by the extraordinary example and eternal vigilance, evidenced by the Force,” President David Granger said.
He added: “The 50th Anniversary of the Defence Force finds our future along the road of consolidating our defence; we are forming our democracy, protecting our territory and making Guyana a safer place for all of us. We owe a debt of gratitude to our soldiers and veterans for 50 years of service,” President David Granger noted.
The Commander-in-Chief ended his presentation by praising the men and women of the GDF for their selfless sacrifice in serving Guyana.
Chief of Staff Mark Phillips also made brief remarks on the momentous occasion. The GDF anniversary was celebrated under the theme “Commemorating the past, Celebrating the present, Carving the future”.
Randolph Reynolds, Archdeacon of St Bridget’s and Parish Priest of the St Sidwell’s Anglican Church conducted the service. The service featured the singing of hymns and readings from the scripture.

By Leroy Smith