Dear Editor
THE reported visit to Camp Ayanganna by the representative envoys of the ABCE countries, with the observation made by former officers of the Guyana Defence Force that such an instance was indeed “unusual’’, as it should be. As far as is understood about such matters involving foreign emissaries, one believes that there are known protocols that are observed with the host country’s authorities, since it is common practice for not only familiarisation visits to take place, but also the latter for discussions on assistance/aid for particular projects.

But as to a combined ABCE visit to the headquarters of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) at this most delicate time of an overdue to be declared electoral process which is now engaging the attention of the court, renders many questions such as the possible purpose/motive. It becomes even more interesting, and open to much speculation, with a post-visit statement from the chief of staff, which spoke of the army remaining “apolitical.”

This is always expected to be role of the military in every democratic state, which dictates that the army is subject to the direction of the civilian authority. In fact, the Guyana experience has been one, and continues to be, a well-known tradition of a professional army, which loyalty is to defend the national constitution, and protect the nation’s sovereignty against any attempt at encroachment, in terms of defending it against any act of external aggression. But for those who may have forgotten, the GDF has always been known as the People’s Army, because of what has been its well documented proud record of participation in nation-building. Yet, one must add the incontrovertible fact of political interference that patently set out to exert control over the affairs of the professionalism of the army, as had also been the fact of the GPF,
Also, despite the many challenges that have been occurring in this nation’s socio-political sphere, there has not been any instance of attempts at interference in the political process, that would have suggested intervention, save and except if the civil order becomes broken down, and it is requested to provide back up support towards the restoration of the civil order and peace. This fact, is also well documented, and therefore needs no further elaboration here, except to say that such a role synchronises with the GDF’S statement of being apolitical. Those visitors must be fully aware of this sacrosanct fact.

Even if somewhat as an aside, but still pertinent is the fact that the last five years, under the APNU+AFC coalition government has restored the GDF to its niche of being a professional army, thus bringing to an end the well-known chapter of political interference that marked its existence for much of the 23 years of the tenure of the former regime. No more do officers have to ask how high they must jump, as boasted by a former PPP/C big wig. Not only has the national army been recalibrated in terms of its organisational structure, but that it has also seen tactical training to reflect the doctrine of total defence, in keeping with the imperatives of the realities of Guyana’s changing socio-economic status.

Finally, the army must continue to protect its proud legacy of being a part of nation- building, defending the constitution, and protecting the nation’s borders, while upholding the rule of law and upholding the tenets of democracy. No more or less, can be expected of this national institution at this most challenging time of its existence, and that of the nation.

Regards
Carla Mendonca