The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is on the right path to improving its competence to defend Guyana’s sovereignty. This was the assertion of President David Granger as he observed the Force’s Field Tactical Exercise ‘Exercise Green Heart’ at the Colonel John Clarke Military School, Tacama, Upper Demerara-Berbice (Region 10).
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo also observed the exercise.
President Granger, in congratulating the 951 troops on the completion of a successful exercise, said the GDF has been rebuilding its strength over the last four years.
“You have been able to re-equip the Force and, when we speak of re-equipment, we mean with a soldier in mind, that everything you need, everything you eat, everything you wear, has been given careful attention by the Chief of Staff and his principal staff,” President Granger said, while expressing satisfaction that ranks of both the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana People’s Militia participated in the Exercise which started on August 6, 2019.
The President said the Force has been re-equipped to cater to its needs and the needs of soldiers.
“The rebuilding is continuing; the re-equipping is continuing. You have a wider range of vehicles now, additional aircraft,” he said, noting that, with additional training and aircraft, the Force is in an even better position to protect Guyana’s territorial integrity.
With the restructuring of the GDF, the Commander-in-Chief said several aspects of the Force has been strengthened and pointed specifically to the Intelligence Corps and Medical Corps.
“We are also reforming the course so it is not only about a rebuilding or re-equipping or restructuring…in addition to the training you are receiving here, you’d be training in values and standards and I was happy to see in ‘Exercise Green Heart’ elements of the GDF paying attention to the surveillance in this East Berbice-Corentyne Region by meeting, engaging with civilians who live in this Region,” he said.
“We are pleased with your performance; I congratulate you,” the Head of State said.
Every year since 2015, members of the GDF have been participating in Field Tactical Exercises and a number of other training programmes.
