Photos by Delano Williams
THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has increased the number of its soldiers protecting the

country’s borders, even as President David Granger underscores the importance of the Force’s role.

“There has been an increase two-fold of bordering patrols; we have also increased our surveillance of the EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone), with patrols every two weeks. Those patrols would have contributed very significantly to reducing criminal activities both at sea and on land,” said GDF Chief-of-Staff Brigadier George Lewis as he addressed soldiers of the Force on Saturday morning at D’Urban Park, following the end of the GDF’s 51st Anniversary Route March.

The Head of State has made it clear that the role of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in

protecting the country’s territorial sovereignty and integrity must not be underestimated.
“It is the GDF which, over the last five decades, protected the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our nation. The Defence Force, together with our diplomats, form the bulwark, shield, to ensure the country we inherited is passed on to posterity,” President Granger said.

Expressing gratitude for the work done by the GDF over the years, President Granger encouraged the ranks to “keep on forging”, to ensure Guyana remains a safe country.

Describing the 51 years of the Force as that of “struggle, sacrifice and of service”, the Guyanese leader said Defence Force Day was aimed at

reminding Guyanese of the Force’s dedication, discipline, and commitment to protecting Guyana.

“You always had two objectives: one, defence; and two, development. The Defence Force is deployed to the four corners of this country. You have a responsibility to protect our country by day or by night; in sunshine or in rainfall; in the swamps, jungles, savannahs, (or) on the beaches,” said the Head of State, who was accompanied by members of the Defence Board, including Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Minister

of State, Joseph Harmon; Attorney General Basil Williams; and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge.

He noted that the Defence Board has been pleased with the performance of the Force, and pointed to Exercise Greenheart, a Force tactical exercise which took

place in the Bartica/Potaro area in October 2015, and field tactical exercise (FTX) Homeguard, which was held in August this year in the jungles and savannahs of Ituni and Tacama, Regions 10 and 6 respectively.

The President reminded the soldiers of Guyana’s vast borders, which span more than 3000 kilometres; and its coastline, which spans 450 kilometres; and their responsibility to protect same.

“We cannot give that responsibility to anyone else; we have to rely on you. And we are proud in our ability to rely on you year in year out to discharge that responsibility. In another month’s time the whole country would be celebrating Christmas, but you would be protecting our frontiers. Many Guyanese would be with their families, but you would be keeping an eye on our frontiers, to

ensure (people) are safe and secure in their homes. This is your duty, and this is why you joined the Defence Force; and we are grateful,” said the Commander of the armed forces.

President Granger also bade farewell to former Chief-of-Staff of the GDF, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who demitted office last month. He expressed gratitude for Phillips’s more than three decades of service in the Force.

“The Defence Force is happy to have worked with him (Phillips), and we thank him for his service,” he said while welcoming Chief-of–Staff of the Force, Brigadier George Lewis. “He (Lewis) is an officer with decades of service, and [we are] happy to have him on board in position of Chief-of-Staff,” the President said.

He continued: “You are well commanded, and the Board is confident in the ability of the officers to discharge their responsibilities to the members of the Defence Force and Guyana.”

Chief-of-Staff Lewis disclosed that the Force has increased its operational posture, as efforts are continuously being made to achieve its mandate of territorial security.

Ranks of the Force have been involved in several training courses both locally and abroad, and according to the Chief-of-Staff, more ranks have been trained this year than in previous years.

“Logistically, we continue to work towards improving our accountability and towards bringing ourselves in line with governmental regulations,” the Chief-of-Staff added, while informing that December 1 has been declared Militia Day.

On that day, ranks would be seen marching through the streets across the country. “We will remain committed to our mission, and ensure that we provide public safety and security to this country,” Lewis assured.

Saturday’s march brings to an end a month of planned activities in observance of the GDF’s 51st Anniversary.