President Ifraan Ali is busy being here, cutting ribbons there and landing in a helicopter, disrupting a football game that was already in session, and deliberately forgetting his commitment to the members of the Guyana Defense Force. I guess the reminder note on his desk has been overtaken by dust, since it appears that he is hardly at his desk.
Mr. Ali is the Commander in Chief of the Guyana Defense Force. Things are not going well in the GDF. Officers and Ranks are concerned at the management of the Force. Many have complained that since the change in Government, the morale within the Force has deteriorated. It’s no longer a “professional institution,” but has become heavily ‘politicised.’
It’s no longer loyalty to Country and Service to humanity, but to the governing party in office. It has gotten so bad that soldiers are leaving and joining private security companies, with ‘Sheriff Security’ being the major employer.
Many of the allowances soldiers were benefiting from under the ‘Coalition Government,’ they no longer enjoyed. Families are scared to speak out, because of what those in the hierarchy of the army will do to their loved ones.
Many are calling for attention to be placed on the Force, and not just the ‘Guyana Police Force,’ since there are allegations of massive ‘corruption.’ There is need for full investigation on the Force’s Credit Union, since it has been reported that Senior Officers within the Force are now involved in the trucking business.
Things are so terrible in the Force, families have reported how their loved ones are being treated, if not being used to do city council workers’ jobs, or services provided by CEVONS Waste Management or PURAN’s Brothers, their sleeping facilities are in a discomforting condition. Talk about meals, this, they have claimed, is not of the best. Further, they reported this has been the Worst the GDF has fallen to. One mother poured out her heart to me; because of commitment, she has asked her offspring to stay on for a while, since she believes that things will get better in 2025!
Mr. Ali, you should be reminded that families of the fallen soldiers are still in pain. It seems that without or if the ‘black box’ never return; this investigation will not be done. How can a government operate in this callous manner and believe all is well with those affected?
The nation was told this, “Army helicopter crash: ‘Read out’ of black box next month.” This was published by Newsroom online, February 22, 2024, from an update given by Mr. Jagdeo on this matter. It is six months after the announcement and the nation is still waiting. May I assure you Mr. Ali, once there isn’t a closure to this fatal accident, the tears of the families will be your burden to carry.
Reports were also received of soldiers who have been deployed to Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, to assist in restoring semblance after the recent destruction or decimation of structures by ‘hurricane Beryl.’ I was informed that food and their welfare is NOT of the best.
I recall during the high tensions between Venezuela and Guyana late last year, and soldiers who were deployed to the border, Mr. Ali made a commitment to them that their applications for house lots will be expedited. Well, it has been months now, and the soldiers are waiting to be called, while the Ministry of Housing and Water boasting of persons being allocated lands across the regions.
It was painful to hear what the GDF has become under this repressive, and vindictive PPP/C regime. I explained to families that with all the monies appropriated for the GDF, were successfully passed in the National Assembly with little or no scrutiny, due to its sensitivity. To hear that the welfare of our soldiers are not taken care of; in my view, is a crime against humanity. Our soldiers must be treated fairly!
It is necessary that I share briefly what the GDF went through pre-May 2015, with a specific focus on the ‘self-reliance programme.’ Garden of Eden was deserted and lacked maintenance. Since Jagdeo, et al always shout on the mountain top, “Coalition Government did nothing.’ Then, he and his acolytes should know that the Coalition Government encouraged the GDF to resuscitate their poultry rearing and farming activities. This was done without oil resources. Recently, I passed the facility and from observation, the area looks derelict.
I therefore call on Mr. Ali or his Chief spokesman to provide information on the following:
- How many soldiers received their house lots since 2020? Note, “Soldiers to get affordable housing access – Ali tells officer’s conference.” SN, February 12, 2021.
- Reasons for soldiers not receiving their allowances?
- With all the oil monies approved in the last five budgets of the PPPC, from 2020-2024, can you provide a detailed list of the number of beds purchased for soldiers, and where they have been assigned?
- Is the Force engaged in being self-reliant? If not, why?
- Is there another arm in the military, where soldiers are being trained for special assignments?
I will conclude by saying that our men and women in uniform must at all times be treated fairly, and should be allowed to act professionally, in the interest of country. Our soldiers deserve better!!!!
I stand for and with the soldiers!!!
