PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday thanked members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) for their commitment and dedication, during the past year. The President was at the time speaking at the GDF Headquarters, Base Camp Ayanganna, where officers and ranks were gathered for their Christmas lunch. The lunch marked the last in a series of lunches, referred to as ‘Soldiers Day,’ held by the GDF in recognition and celebration of its ranks during the Christmas season.
The Commander-in-Chief during his address relayed Christmas greetings to the soldiers as he reminded them of the impressive display at the jubilee celebrations for Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary. The President said that Guyana would not have been where it is had it not been for the GDF. He said that it is not just the Defence Board and the Government that are grateful for the GDF’s service, but the nation as a whole.
Meanwhile, Chief-of-Staff of the GDF, Brigadier George Lewis, said the event was to honour junior ranks stationed at Camp Ayanganna. He said ‘Soldiers Day’ is the final activity being held over the last three weeks, as events were also held in bases at Lethem, Kaikan, Eteringbang, Mabaruma, the GDF Floating Base, New Amsterdam, Camp Stephenson, Camp Seweyo and Camp Jaguar.
“Those activities were well coordinated and appreciated by all ranks who participated,” he said, while thanking the Commander-in-Chief for his participation.
The Chief-of-Staff said that the army in 2016 had successfully executed its mandate of providing territorial security and participating in security-related programmes and training.
He said this year, over 100 officers and 1200 other ranks were trained on military courses. This, he said, is a 30 per cent increase. He said efficiency and adherence to all governmental regulations and systems were done.
“I believe when we look at our successes against our challenges, the GDF had an excellent year,” the Brigadier said.