GDF’s capabilities strengthened – Commander-in-Chief on 61st anniversary

…says “service is what defines the Guyanese soldier”

President Dr Irfaan Ali has said his Government has invested in strengthening the operational capabilities of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), including the acquisition of new vessels and aircraft, modern barracks and reinforced forward operating bases across the country.

In a message marking the 61st anniversary of the GDF, President Ali said the investments are part a programme of recapitalisation, expanded training and improved living conditions for members of the Force over the past five years.
He congratulated officers, ranks, reservists, civilian staff and veterans, recognising their contribution to defending Guyana’s territorial integrity and serving the population. “Sixty-one years ago, even before our Independence, Guyana established the GDF with a clear and enduring mission: to defend our territorial integrity and to serve our people,” the President said.
He noted that generations of soldiers had fulfilled that responsibility through their service, professionalism and commitment to the country.
Ali also paid tribute to veterans who helped establish the Force, patrolled the country’s borders with limited resources and defended Guyana’s sovereignty.
He acknowledged the continued work of serving members stationed along the borders, in the country’s waters and airspace, as well as those who assist communities during times of need.
“Service is what defines the Guyanese soldier. It is service before self, service to community, and service to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana,” he stated.
The President said the investments made in the GDF were intended to ensure that its members had the resources and conditions necessary to meet the demands of a changing security environment.
He maintained that Guyana remained committed to international law and peaceful coexistence but stressed that the country was determined to protect its territorial integrity. “Guyana is and will remain a peace-loving nation, committed to international law and peaceful coexistence. Yet we are resolute, the Guyana we inherited is the Guyana we will preserve,” Ali said.
He also recognised the sacrifices made by soldiers’ families and paid tribute to those who lost their lives while serving the country.
The President urged the Force to maintain professionalism, remain apolitical and uphold its loyalty to the Constitution of Guyana.

Successive generations
Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, in his anniversary message, reflected on the contributions of successive generations of officers and ranks to the defence of the country.
Khan said the GDF’s history was built on the service and sacrifice of those who laid the foundation of the institution and contributed to safeguarding Guyana’s sovereignty.
He said serving members continued to carry that responsibility through the protection of the country’s borders and territorial integrity, while also serving the wider population.
Looking ahead, the Chief of Defence Staff said the Force’s responsibility extended beyond developing capable soldiers to producing individuals with sound character, strong principles and good judgement. He stressed that military service demanded integrity, personal responsibility and a commitment to duty that extended beyond an individual’s years in uniform.
While acknowledging the progress made, Khan said the GDF must continue preparing the next generation of military professionals while maintaining the standards established by those who served before them.
He also highlighted the importance of the Force’s motto, stating: “The uniform may be temporary, but the duty endures.”

Source: Guyana Times