The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is planning to resuscitate its mounted branch at Annai, North Rupununi following concerns raised by members of the community regarding the potential emerging threats from increased traffic over the Takutu Bridge at Lethem.
Chief of Staff, Commodore Gary Best made the proposal during a visit to the community recently where he met with residents to discuss the security needs of the region, a press release from the military stated yesterday.
The GDF is also looking to start boat patrols in the area.
However Best suggested that members of the community come on board in terms of staffing the mounted branch by becoming serving members of the GDF either as regular soldiers or as reservists. Following a positive response Best advised that a GDF recruitment team will visit the community shortly.
The GDF statement said Evan Sipu, a member of the community, raised the concerns about security threats in light of increased traffic into and through the areas due to the opening of the Takutu Bridge at Lethem. It added that the road from Lethem to Georgetown passes through the North Rupununi and borders the village of Annai. Sipu, it added, also said that coastland–related crime seems to be reaching even communities such as his. In addition, cattle rustling along with the presence of predatory wildlife, which encroach on communal living areas wreaking havoc with livestock and farms, were two other issues raised.
The mounted patrols are meant to alleviate these problems.
The GDF is also considering setting up an observation post at Bush-Mouth as it was observed by Executive Director of the North Rupununi District Develop-ment Board, Virgil Harding that at the moment it was possible for people traversing the region to utilize the nearby rivers to evade security scrutiny.
In response, Best advised that government as well as the military have an interest and are committed to the security of the region. However, he said, while the GDF would be responsible for procuring and maintaining the resources needed for both patrols, it would be necessary for the communities to get involved.
He cautioned too that the patrols would not take care of police issues. Persons caught in illegal activities would be handed over to the police. He emphasized that the patrols will work strictly in the interest of protecting the communities.
To this end the army chief pointed out to residents that where searches were required, these would be conducted in the presence of the police, adding that “My soldiers, our soldiers, will act in the most professional manner.”
A request for a GDF training base to be set up in the community was met with an explanation from Best that such a decision could only be made at the level of the Defence Board and therefore was a matter of government policy. He pointed out that there were already three such bases which are well-established and legally approved by the Defence Board and the government.
During his visit to Annai, Best visited the Bina Hill Research Institute and Radio PAIWOMAK (97.1 FM) where he took time out to record a message to the people of Annai and the surrounding communities.
