| By Abena RockcliffeThe Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Donald Ramotar, yesterday laid out his expectations of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in 2015. In no uncertain terms,Cheap Jerseys From China, the President made it clear that the major concern of the force, this year, should be to keep things under lawful control during the elections season.The President said this as he addressed over 100 officers during GDF’s annual officer’s conference.Just before specifying what he expects, Ramotar told the gathering that the role of GDF has been broadening over the years.The Commander-In-Chief then went on to remind the gathering that General and Regional Elections have been set to be held on May, 11. He said that elections, “by its nature, is very competitive and may be divisive.”The President reminded that Guyana has a multi-ethnic society and ethnic insecurity can therefore be aroused during the campaign, and that this can lead to unrest.Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Donald Ramotar, surrounded by senior GDF officers as he arrived at the ConferenceIn this regard, Ramotar pointed out that the joint services’ early voting is intended to provide them with the full opportunity to discharge their responsibility fully and professionally.“That is my expectation of you, that you will do your duty with the highest level of professionalism.”Ramotar told the officers that it is such conduct that will bring glory and greater credibility to the disciplined forces,Jerseys Wholesale, in general, and the army in particular.The Commander-In-Chief acknowledged that this year’s Officers’ Conference held special significance, as the GDF celebrates its 50th anniversary. He said that the force has an opportunity at this time to demonstrate the highest level of professionalism “that has characterized the institution over the last few decades.”“As we approach General and Regional Elections on May, 11, it is my hope that a climate of peace and good sense will prevail, even as contesting political parties and supporters—as is their democratic right—vigorously conduct their campaigns,” Ramotar stated.He then instructed that certain behaviour must not be allowed to fester in the society.Ramotar further emphasised that any attempt to create a measure of insecurity and fear among citizens—”or in any segment of our population based on rumour, subjective gutter politics or worst—must be publicly frowned upon and action must be taken by the security forces to arrest any such tendency by the application of the full weight of the law and constitution,Wholesale Jerseys NFL,”The President said that the GDF is an essentially professional and non-partisan entity, and noted that even though officers and ranks alike are entitled to vote in accordance with the law, they are not allowed to participate in acts of “political propaganda or militancy.”He told the Officers, “You must inspire confidence in citizens and demonstrate to Guyana and the world that while as individuals in uniform you exercise your democratic right to vote; as members of the GDF as an institution,NFL Jerseys From China, you will carry out your professional responsibility in accordance with the constitution and respect the legitimate outcome of the electoral process.”“I,Cheap Adidas NHL Jerseys, as Commander-In-Chief , expect that your leadership will be exemplary and your image as a national army will be unsullied.”Ramotar reminded the Officers that they have sworn an oath to carry out duties without fear or favour, affection or ill-will,Wholesale China Jerseys, and in the execution of those duties honour and uphold the constitution of the Republic of Guyana.“I expect no less of the officers and ranks of the Guyana Defence Force, particularly in this your fiftieth anniversary year,” he said.Ramotar did not give up the opportunity presented to him on the occasion to sell his government to those gathered. He told the Officers of an out-of-town visit he recently made where he saw young people in their twenties going to get their own homes. The President said that the situation would have been much better “had this soon-to-be-dissolved Tenth Parliament been more supportive of government’s plans for development”.The President posited that the Eleventh Parliament will “surely rectify the situation. I have every confidence in the collective intelligence of the Guyanese people”. |
