GDF: celebrating 39 years of service
A GINA feature, November 8, 2004
On November 1, 2004, the Guyana Defence Force celebrated its 39 th anniversary which has been another milestone for each and every member serving in the Force. The motto of the Guyana Defence Force is "SERVICE".
"Since its inception and during the course of these past years, the Force has been studiously pursuing its constitutional responsibilities of defence and development,” said Brigadier Edward Collins.
GDF came into existence on November 1, 1965 when training began under a team of instructors from the United Kingdom. Recruits for the new Force were drawn from the British Guiana Volunteer Force, Special Service Unit, British Guiana Police Force and Civilian Volunteers.
The GDF plays an integral part in the lives of Guyanese. It is regularly involved in community tasks, national development and emergency missions using resources and equipment at the GDF's disposal.
The force produces some of its own food through the Agriculture Corps, and sews its own uniforms through the Ordinance Corps.
The Air Corps is regularly involved in medical mercy flights from hinterland areas. The Engineer Corps is employed on the construction of hinterland roads and airstrips.
Enlistment into the Force is voluntary for officers and soldiers and there is no discrimination against women.
Much of the basic training for all arms and services is done within GDF Training Schools, which have trained many officers and soldiers from Commonwealth Caribbean territories.
Many soldiers have gained valuable training and skills while serving in the Force. Many have gone on to become key staff members in sister military organizations.
What is the role of the GDF? It is mandatory for soldiers to defend the territorial integrity of Guyana, assist the civil power in the maintenance of law and order when required to do so, and contribute to the economic development of Guyana.
There are many benefits for career plans; medical (soldier and nuclear family); accommodation; uniforms; meals; rent allowance (for married soldiers); ration Allowance (for married soldiers); laundry; leave passage allowance; pension and gratuity.
The GDF has managed to control threats to national security. In January 1969, residents of the Rupununi area staged an uprising, demanding their Independence.
The insurgents attacked the Lethem Police Station, killing five policemen and one Amerindian, a member of the Board of Directors of the Guyana School of Agriculture.
Members of the Guyana Defence Force were flown into the area. The plane which carried the detachment of the soldiers, found the airstrip closed with trees and other obstacles. They landed at Moinari, 10 miles away.
There was a confrontation with the insurgents and members of the GDF. The soldiers regain control of Karasabi, Lethem, Annai, and Good Hope.
Four members of the GDF were seriously injured, but there were no fatalities. The rebels fled to Brazil after the coup failed. The retaking of the South West Region of Guyana was a brilliant GDF operation. Insurgents were captured and Guyana maintained its sovereign integrity.
Then there was also the New River Operation launched by the GDF in August 1969 to clear all encroachers from the New River area and to recapture the Tigri Airstrip. This operation was named "Operation Climax" and was executed with maximum precision.
Through this operation, the GDF recaptured the airstrip and clear the area of all encroachers without any lives being lost. The operation was basically bloodless.
Following the surprise GDF attack at dawn the encroachers made a hasty withdrawal, but some prisoners were taken. This operation was one of the most successful ventures of the force.
Training is one of the top priorities in the GDF, with intense local and overseas training in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Brazil.
“I am confident in the knowledge that our officers and ranks are fully aware of the heavy responsibility entrusted to us,” the Chief-of Staff declares.
Other Chiefs-of-Staff to be at the helm of the GDF are: First Force Commander Ronald Pope, Brigadier Clarence Price, 1969-1979; Brigadier Norman Mc. Lean 1979-1990; Brigadier Joe Singh, 1990-2000 and Brigadier Michael Atherly, 2000-2004.
TOP
|
