Patrols to be stepped up at Mabaruma – Commodore Best

The security and stability of the Mabaruma District  are important since it is one of Guyana’s frontline operational border communities, and marine and other patrols are to be stepped up, Chief of Staff, Commodore Gary Best told community leaders there last week.

Chief of Staff Gary Best (second from left) at Mabaruma (GDF photo)
Chief of Staff Gary Best (second from left) at Mabaruma (GDF photo)

He also told community leaders during a routine visit to Guyana Defence Force ranks at Camp Everard that although this was his first visit to the area since assuming leadership of the Army, there would be many more routine visits both by himself and his Commanders in the ensuing months, a GDF press release stated yesterday.

The release also noted that discourses between the Chief of Staff and the community leaders revealed some disquiet on the part of the latter group concerning the behaviour of some Army ranks stationed in the community.  However Regional Chairman Fermin Singh said that the community will work with the soldiers to ensure that a climate of mutual respect and cooperation continues. He was quoted as saying that, “They must be the leaders when it comes to demonstrating their discipline and professionalism and our people must cooperate with them in working to secure the border communities.”

Additionally, he said  he was aware that there are disaffected persons in the community who, because they are not allowed to get away with illegal conduct, would seek to disparage the soldiers.

And in his response, Commodore Best said that his ranks had been advised of their mission at the location. “They are going to be much busier from henceforth and will continue to be held accountable from their Commander, all the way down.”

“This is an operational location and while the general protection and preservation of Guyana’s territorial integrity is part of their primary focus, they are not nor will they be policemen. When out on patrols, they will lend support to the police where such is needed but they will not act as policemen,” the Chief of Staff declared.

Meanwhile, the Commodore indicated that an investigation is underway with regard to an incident reported in the press and those culpable will be disciplined, the release said.

“The GDF has a command structure and that structure will be put to work to investigate the details of every occurrence before conclusions are drawn and decisions made regarding discipline.”

“I will not countenance indiscipline within the force but at the same time I will not sacrifice our valiant men because of mistaken or misappropriated conveniences,” the Commodore added.
He had earlier been met by a quarter guard at Camp Everard and afterwards  he held discussions with the Location Commander and the ranks under his command. As a result, marine and other patrols are to be stepped up in the area, the release said.

The soldiers also had an interactive session with members of the Force’s Welfare Department.

Commanding Officer 1 Infantry Battalion Lieutenant Colonel George Lewis and other senior officers accompanied Commodore Best while the regional delegation comprised Regional Chairman Singh; Vice Chairman Victor Pierre; Regional Executive Officer (REO) Mary Williams; Deputy REO Nigel Fischer; Toshaos Norman Cox and Edmund Santiago along with Assistant Superintendent of Police Kevin Adonis.