PRESIDENT David Granger yesterday wished Guyana Defence Force (GDF) troops a merry Christmas, while partaking in the traditional serving of lunch to soldiers at Base Camp Stephenson.
Speaking before the merriment, the President emphasised the importance of the force. “This is a day when the whole country would recognise the worth of the Defence Force. Guyana would have been a different place, were it not been for the GDF,” President Granger said.
Referencing Operation Dragnet, the President noted that next year will be a busy year for the GDF, as they remain on guard to ensure the security of Guyana.
The Commander-in-Chief, who was once a Platoon Commander and Base Commander at Camp Stephenson himself, said being there yesterday was nostalgic for him.
He said the base has a rich history, and was the point from which troops departed to put down the rebellion in the Rupununi in 1969.
Briefing the President on current developments here in terms of national security, Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips said, “The troops at Timehri remain steadfast in our operations towards enhancing defence and security throughout Guyana.
“At present, we are positioned at our frontiers, at different locations in our hinterland and our coastland. We are on Operation Dragnet, an operation that is aimed to enhance security throughout Guyana, and we remain ready for any other operation that you and your Defence Board would direct to us.”
President Granger used the opportunity of being at Camp Stephenson to tour the Civil Defence Commission’s Emergency Operation Centre and Warehouse. (Ministry of the Presidency)