-President Granger tells ranks at Base Everard, Mabaruma

PRESIDENT David Granger has said that while the primary role of the Guyana Defence Force

(GDF) is defence of the country’s territorial integrity, ranks must also play a role in the country’s development through cooperation with local residents in the areas in which they are posted.

Addressing disciplined services ranks and civilian invitees on Friday at Base Everard in the Mabaruma sub-region of Region One (Barima-Waini) during the GDF Annual Christmas Luncheon, the President made the foregoing remarks and declared he was particularly happy to see soldiers, civilians and policemen gathered together, since it was a demonstration of togetherness and solidarity in the protection of the country’s sovereignty, and it augurs well for ensuring its development.

The President also called on residents of Barima-Waini to answer the call to join the militia to help strengthen the Force. Pointing to the porous nature of Guyana’s borders, the Commander in Chief said the GDF is responsible for security in those regions, but citizens can bolster the strength of the Force by joining the militia.

“We are a small population and we are a small Defence Force and a small Police Force. Taken as a whole, we have to accept responsibility for over 3000km of borders. The Force cannot do that alone, and that is why we are bringing back into existence a strong Militia — the Guyana People’s Militia (GPM); and I would like to encourage you, the residents of Mabaruma and Barima-Waini Region, to become involved, to join the Militia; not because we are expecting a war, but because we want to demonstrate that we are ready for any operation. I call on the Regional Chairman to join with the Defence Force to encourage participation in the GPM, so if there is any form of emergency — sometimes there is flooding or some other situation — you will always have a body of people who are able to respond,” the President explained.

He also said: “I expect that there will be no more recurrences of unfriendly relations between persons in uniform and persons out of uniform. I will deal with any misbehaviour that occurs, because it is not our policy to have bad relations with Guyanese citizens. The GDF is responsible for double tasks: you are responsible for defence, but (you) are also responsible for development. You must see how the people live and find out what their needs are,” the President said.

Referring to the claims being made by neighbouring Venezuela on Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, the President said that cordial and friendly relations between the servicemen and the citizens are important if the country is to stand in solidarity and fight against any transgressors. As such, all must come together and be eternally vigilant as the country continues to pursue a final and just settlement to the border controversy.

“This Government… is committed to maintaining the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country; and just as we inherited a country from our forefathers, we want to pass this country on to our descendants, but the price we must pay is eternal vigilance…and the GDF and the GPF [Guyana Police Force] are here, at what we call the northernmost town in Guyana, in order to demonstrate that we are eternally vigilant and that we are going to protect the people who cannot protect themselves — the citizens of Georgetown and the other towns of Guyana. It is our obligation and responsibility to ensure that they can live in safety while the soldiers and policemen put their lives on the line in order to protect and safeguard them,” the President said.

He added that Mabaruma’s township status will bode well for the development of the region, and will help to ensure that problems of infrastructure and security are more adequately addressed.

He also used the opportunity to express gratitude to the servicemen for their commitment and dedication during that past year, noting that Guyana is grateful. “You all will be working over the Christmas and New Year period, but this work is necessary so your families and the families of all other Guyanese will have a good Christmas.

“Let me close by wishing you a happy Christmas, and I hope that your wives and children would have a happy Christmas; and may God bless you all,” he said.

After delivering his address, the President served lunch to the ranks and residents who were invited to be a part of the festivities on the base.

Among those present at the function were Regional Chairman Mr. Brentnol Ashley and Regional Executive Officer Mr. Leslie Wilburg.