Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali, said that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is evolving, being reshaped, retooled and reenergised to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
The Head of State addressed hundreds of soldiers at the National Cultural Centre as the GDF commenced celebrations for its 60th anniversary with a church service and official launch.
“We are building a more agile, capable and technologically proficient force, one that can respond swiftly and effectively to modern threats, both traditional and unconventional.”
He underscored that Guyana’s soldiers are being equipped with new skills, modern resources and enhanced training to carry out their duties with greater precision and professionalism.
President Ali also strongly condemned the recent attack on the Mobil Gas Station on Regent Street, which claimed the life of a six-year-old child.
“This attack bore all the hallmarks of terrorism. It was an attempt to sow fear and chaos, to destabilise, to create tension, and we will get to the bottom of it. But let it be known here and now: we will not be intimidated, we will not bow, we will not be broken.”
The President praised the response of the joint services and emphasised that “we will pursue justice relentlessly. And we will take every lawful measure to protect our people and deter those who may contemplate similar actions. We are going deep, broad and hard to the bottom of this.”
He added that the GDF will continue to play a vital role in maintaining the balance of Guyana being a nation that is compassionate, yet vigilant, strong and aggressive in the protection of its citizens and its sovereignty.