Former army chiefs among first witnesses for inquiry into veterans’ welfare

From right are Chairman of the CoI, Retired Colonel Desmond Roberts and CoI Secretary, Col. Denzil Carmichael (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the welfare of veterans is set to commence today and present heads of the disciplined services along with former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) chiefs of staff would be among the first to be formally interviewed.

This announcement was made by Chairman of the CoI Retired Colonel Desmond Roberts during a press conference held at the Department of Public Service on Waterloo Street, Georgetown, yesterday.

Among the list of persons scheduled to be formally interviewed today are former GDF chiefs of staff Rear Admiral (ret’d) Gary Best and retired Major Generals Norman McLean and Michael Atherley, who will give evidence in-camera due to the potential disclosure of sensitive information.

The CoI was set up to examine the conditions and circumstances facing veterans of the GDF, the Guyana National Service and the Guyana People’s Militia.