THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) said it has noted the commentary contained in a Sunday Stabroek News article of September 15, 2019 titled, “The army and Kaikan” and reiterated that it remains committed to the safety of all Guyanese.

The editorial referenced aspects of an internationally-funded assessment of primarily land usage and titling issues for some 24 indigenous communities in Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni). The assessment was conducted on behalf of the Amerindian People’s Association.

The army said while an examination of the report produced from the assessment reveals that its primary purpose was to highlight, address and make recommendations regarding the land tenure situation of the indigenous communities, the authors claim significant security and social problems as a result of the presence of security troops in the community of Kaikan.

The GDF said it is constitutionally mandated to protect the territorial integrity of Guyana as well as provide security for its people. In this regard, the Force’s presence at Kaikan is legitimate, the army said.

Notwithstanding, the concerns of the community, the Force must be allowed to carry out its remit. Irrespective of the communities within which troops operate, the army values and standards remain the same, the release said.

“As such, all of our ranks are obligated under the law to subject themselves to good conduct. Misconduct by any member of the Guyana Defence Force is dealt with condignly.

“The Guyana Defence Force wishes to assure this nation that it is committed to the safety of the people of Guyana and the defence of the country’s territorial integrity. The concerns raised in the report will be investigated thoroughly and efforts will be made to foster better relations with the residents of Kaikan. However, the Force will not surrender its constitutional responsibility nor abrogate its rights,” the release concluded.