GDF will not use force against Guyanese, will not condone any illegal act

…Chief-of-Staff commits during meeting with diplomats

Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess on Friday reiterated the “apolitical nature and posture” of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), during a meeting with senior diplomats of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and the EU, at the Conference Room, Defence Headquarters, Base Camp Ayanganna.
Bess reiterated that the Army will continue to abide by Guyana’s Constitution during the meeting with ABCE diplomats.

Brigadier Bess also emphasised to United States Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch, British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn, Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee and European Ambassador Fernando Ponz-Canto, that the GDF is fulfilling its mandate and will continue to abide by its role as stipulated by Guyana’s Constitution.
Speaking with Guyana Times following the meeting, Canadian High Commissioner Lilian Chatterjee said that Bess committed that the Army will not “use force against their own citizens and will not condone any illegal act.” She added that Bess also reassured that the military will stay in their barracks. She said that these commitments were welcomed by the diplomatic community.
Senior officers present during the courtesy call included Inspector General, Colonel Trevor Bowman; Quartermaster General, Colonel Sherwin Anderson; Adjutant General, Colonel Raul Jerrick and Staff Officer One Special Duties Lieutenant Colonel Colin Henry.
Several stakeholders have called on the security forces to remain professional and not to follow any illegal orders during this tense period.
The incumbent APNU/AFC coalition has been defeated at the March 2 General and Regional Elections and it is expected that there will be a transition of Government soon.