CHIEF of Defence Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan, has rejected the misuse of a courteous gesture to a presidential candidate and attempts to use it for political gain.
Brigadier Khan, in a statement on Friday, said at Base Camp Ayanganna during the Joint Services voting process, he responded to an act of courtesy in greeting a candidate who initiated a handshake.
“It has since come to my attention that this moment is being twisted and used for political gain on social media by the WIN Presidential Candidate, Azruddin Mohamed. Let it be clear, neither I nor the Guyana Defence Force as an institution supports or endorses any political party or candidate,” he firmly stated.
He said that the GDF stands firm, neutral, patriotic, and loyal to the constitution and the people of Guyana.
“This misuse is not only misleading, it is dishonourable. Using the GDF’s professionalism for political gain goes against the values of honesty and respect that our democracy deserves,” he stated.
Brigadier Khan also took the opportunity to commend those men and women of the Joint Services for their steadfast work in maintaining peace and safety during this election season.