FOUR soldiers were dismissed while others are facing disciplinary action for breach of operational orders in relation to an allegation of rape.
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) confirmed that a Board of Inquiry (BoI) convened to investigate the circumstances which led to an allegation of rape being levelled against GDF ranks in Mabaruma, Region One, resulted in disciplinary action taken against two officers and the dismissal of four others.
The BoI found that the ranks seriously breached operational orders while deployed on border duty and were therefore disciplined accordingly.
“Four of these ranks have since been dismissed and the disciplinary process is ongoing against the others,” the Army noted in a press statement Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force has charged and placed before the court three of those ex-soldiers in relation to the rape allegation, while the fourth is awaiting due process from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution. The GDF noted that ranks are bound by the values and standards of the Army, and, as such, their conduct and professionalism are of paramount importance. “The defence and security of the nation and our citizens are tasks which the Force will always aim to execute with the highest moral, ethical and professional standards,” the GDF noted.