– urges them to take advantage of training opportunities

COMMANDER-in-Chief, President David Granger, has extended Christmas greetings to officers and ranks of the Guyana Defence Force as celebrations of Soldiers’ Day kicked off at Base Camp Ayanganna on Friday.

“Today, we are here to celebrate the tradition of Soldier’s Day, a tradition which we inherited from the British and it is a tradition in which the officers serve the soldiers. The day begins with ‘Gunfire’ and is an opportunity to build camaraderie. Regardless of rank, we all serve together to defend and protect Guyana,” he said.

President Granger noted that 2019 has been a good year for the GDF, with soldiers benefiting from significant salary increases since his government took office.

He explained that the success of the GDF this year can be attributed to changes which have occurred in the staff structure of the Force. Those changes, he said, have resulted in the GDF moving ahead purposefully.

Reminding them of the role of the GDF in protecting and defending Guyana’s territory, the President urged the soldiers to remember the dedication and commitment of the military veterans.

“Remember what the veterans accomplished. It was the GDF that went into the Rupununi and stopped the rebellion. That very year, 1969, it was also the GDF that went into the New River area to route the Surinamese who sought to annex that part of our country. It is important that you remember that it is because of the GDF that we have today this nation, Guyana,” he said.

Noting that many soldiers will be away from their families during the festive season, President Granger extended the thanks to them of a grateful nation.

“The nation is eternally grateful to the GDF even while we recognise that eternal vigilance is necessary. I was happy to be with you at the Exercise Greenheart this year. These exercises are essential and every soldier must be exercised accordingly,” he said, adding: “Congratulations on a good year’s performance. Thank you for your service and thanks too, to your families.”

Explaining that Guyana is headed into a decade of development, beginning in 2020, the President urged soldiers to take advantage of training opportunities presented to them in all areas.

He noted that as Guyana’s development gathers steam, they need to be prepared for taking up various roles in that development process and urged that they be prudent with their salaries and save.

“On behalf of the Defence Board and the Government of Guyana, I extend best wishes to you for the holidays. Convey to your families our best wishes for
Christmas and the New Year!” he said.

Earlier, GDF Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Patrick West thanked the commander-in-chief for his support and that of the government in ensuring that the GDF realised the progress it has made.

President Granger joined the chief-of-staff and other officers in serving lunch to the assembled troops.

Despite this being the festive Christmas season, the soldiers will be on defence and security duties at interior locations and at bases across the country.