– now better equipped and trained

MINISTER of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, has said that Guyana’s Defence Force is now better equipped and more trained than ever in its history.
The minister expressed her thoughts on the Defence Amendment Bill during her presentation in the National Assembly last week.

She stated, “At this time the army of Guyana is better equipped, more disciplined, more trained than ever before in its history. The army is treated with pride and has been congratulated over and over publicly and recognised by this government.”

However, in response to statements made by opposition member of parliament, Amanza Walton-Desir about the treatment of army officers by the current government, Teixeira said that it was actions of the past that held back the development of the army when it was under control politically by the PNC.

“The Honourable member does not like the fact that the army of today is not like the army of yesterday, it is not the army of yesterday. This is in fact a professional army, an army of honour,” Teixeira added.

Given this context, she mentioned that the present-day army officers are dedicated professionals and patriots, committed to safeguarding their nation with a sense of honour.
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration, since entering office in 2020, has begun an overhaul of the Guyana Defence Force to ensure that it aligns with modern demands and is strengthened in all facets.

As such, the passage of the Defence Amendment bill last week was one such step which paves the way for the title of the head of the GDF to be changed from Chief-of-Staff to “Chief of Defence Staff”.

During the bill’s second reading, it was noted that the change in name holds the potential to strengthen the country’s defence structure thus aligning it with modern approaches to military leadership across the world.

Meanwhile, earlier this year, President Dr Irfaan Ali unveiled plans for a comprehensive restructuring of the force.
Through this statement, he made it clear that significant efforts are being made to invest in the force and bring about structural changes, which will soon be evident as the force’s asset base undergoes further shifts.