This year the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the Women’s Army Corps. In commemoration of 50 years of welcoming women to the Force, GDF executed a series of activities to celebrate this milestone, as well as to honour female members in the army. While some of the women were decorated, others received different recognition for their service to their country. Guyana Times met with two veterans who were among the initial intake of women and they reflected on their time serving in the army.
Woman Sergeant (ret), Claudette Thorne
Sergeant Claudette Thorne joined the army during the initial intake of women into the Force. In 1967, when the then Prime Minister, Forbes Burnham made the move to induct women into the Guyana Defence Force, Thorne was already under his employment. As such, she was asked by Burnham to join the Force and went on to be among the first 60 women to enlist as officers of the army.
Officer Thorne was assigned to switchboard operations as the women were originally recruited to relieve the men of administrative and domestic duties. She later took on typing and her time at the registry led to her roles as confidential secretary to several officers. She worked her way up to the rank of Sergeant and then retired in 1985, after which she was called back to serve until 2005.
Sergeant Thorne received several recognitions for her service and is the holder of three military medals. In 1976, she was decorated with the Military Efficiency Medal, followed by medals for both 25 and 40 years of service.
Sergeant Claudette Throne reflected on her time in the army as a great experience, one which she thoroughly enjoyed. It was an honour for her to be among the first batch of women welcomed into the GDF, setting the path for generations to follow. Her experience as an army woman has thought her great discipline, especially with respect to time, which is constantly applied in her current involvements. While the majority of her colleagues are either deceased or have migrated, the retired Sergeant remains in connection with the Force and is always ready to serve whenever called upon.
Lieutenant Colonel (ret), Christine King
Lieutenant Colonel Christine King joined the army in the year 1977. She functioned as the Secretary to the General Manager of the Department of Transport and Harbour prior to her enlistment. It was during her employment there when she came across an advertisement for a personal assistant in the army.
After serving in the capacity of personal assistant to Colonel Pilgrim, Officer King pursued a Military Conversion course in 1978 to improve her station. She later severed under Colonel David Granger (now President) until 1986 when she went on to study sociology at the University of Guyana.
Colonel Christine King served in several capacities during her 28 years in the army. She was assigned Officer Commanding, Base Commander, Staff Officer and even Commanding Officer of the Women’s Army Corps (1995-2004). Her duties were mostly administrative and included organising parades, recruitment and discharge. Lieutenant Colonel Christine King retired from the army in 2005.
Colonel King was honoured on several occasions for her service and accomplishments in the army. She is the recipient of the Military Efficiency Medal as well as the medal for 25 years of service and the National Award- Military Service Medal. She also had the honour of being the first woman in the army to obtain a Master’s Degree and accompanied President Burnham and the First Lady to the Royal Wedding in 1981.
The Retired Colonel expressed appreciation for the opportunities gained during her time in the army. She pointed out that one of the memorable experiences of her tenure was being a private equerry to Queen Elizabeth on her visit to Guyana. The GDF has taught her to take action and develop strength which she adapted in her subsequent attachment.
After retiring from service in the GDF, Sergeant Thorne continues as a confidential officer at her Church for nine years and counting, while Colonel King assumed managerial positions, previously at the Ethnic Relations Commission and currently at Frandec and Company Inc. The veterans express pleasure in being given the opportunity as women to serve in the army and indicated that their experiences were mostly positive. They alluded to their time as being an era where the army women were reliant on each other and were even supported by the men. The retired officers are urging young army women to wear their uniform with pride as it is a symbol of service and discipline.
