CHAPTER 6
ARMY OF THE PEOPLE: 1975-1976
16. A NEW TYPE OF ARMY
On 22 May 1976, the Guyana Defence
Force will have completed ten years of existence. It will have
come a long way from the format set out by its colonial predecessors
and is now a "new
thing" moulded by the revolution that is going on in Guyana today.
Fundamental changes of attitude have taken place since its formation
under British Officers in 1965/1966, and it has become very much
an integral part of Guyanese life. To the conventional or traditional
man of arms, the GDF would cut a strange picture with its fishing
boats, farms, credit unions, housing projects, self-help projects
and political education seminars. But all these are good. These,
together with other measures, demonstrate that this Force is an army
of a new and different type, closely linked with the government,
the party and the people. It is not a shallow and futile exhibition,
for soldiers are indeed deeply aware of the policy of their government.
This explains the whole-hearted support for policy and identification
with the community. An entire chapter has been devoted to the Guyana
Defence Force in the national development plan 1972-1976 to show
how much a part of the national fabric the force has become. 17. RELATIONS WITH THE COMMUNITY The overall relationship of the GDF with the community
has improved; in the past, the Police Force used to be the
mortal
enemy of the army and each side seemed to be looking for the slightest
pretext to get at the other.
There were scores of incidents of clashes between soldiers and Policemen all over the country. With the new thinking, the forces moved closer together and ushered in an era of friendship and cooperation. Army and Police pioneers worked together on building projects; inter-service sport was encouraged; training exercises and study periods were run, and, guided by a common understanding of National policy, conflict has been transformed into comradeship.
There has been a new thrust to serve the people and win their support, cooperation and friendship. The record of successful community projects involving the GDF, throughout the country is legion. From the North West to the Rupununi, and right across the country, ordinary soldiers, even in section and platoon strengths have contributed to community work in building and painting schools, community centres, hospital wards, bridges and all sorts of little amenities and facilities. Perhaps the GDF is now the most willing Public institution as far as community work is concerned. Its steelband has entertained many, its trucks have moved countless numbers, its medical teams have penetrated into. the most remote villages and relieved suffering, its aeroplanes have evacuated dozens of emergency cases to the Georgetown hospital. At the National level, GDF gave valuable assistance during the Cane Grove disaster in 1968 and the East Coast Flood disaster in 1971. And so the list can go on and on, while participation in National events such as the annual agricultural exhibition, Mashramani celebrations, political rallies for various occasions like World Solidarity Day or the anniversary of the party, has never found the GDF wanting.
Basic training courses for drill, seamanship, driving and cooking for example are thrown open to all of the
There were scores of incidents of clashes between soldiers and Policemen all over the country. With the new thinking, the forces moved closer together and ushered in an era of friendship and cooperation. Army and Police pioneers worked together on building projects; inter-service sport was encouraged; training exercises and study periods were run, and, guided by a common understanding of National policy, conflict has been transformed into comradeship.
There has been a new thrust to serve the people and win their support, cooperation and friendship. The record of successful community projects involving the GDF, throughout the country is legion. From the North West to the Rupununi, and right across the country, ordinary soldiers, even in section and platoon strengths have contributed to community work in building and painting schools, community centres, hospital wards, bridges and all sorts of little amenities and facilities. Perhaps the GDF is now the most willing Public institution as far as community work is concerned. Its steelband has entertained many, its trucks have moved countless numbers, its medical teams have penetrated into. the most remote villages and relieved suffering, its aeroplanes have evacuated dozens of emergency cases to the Georgetown hospital. At the National level, GDF gave valuable assistance during the Cane Grove disaster in 1968 and the East Coast Flood disaster in 1971. And so the list can go on and on, while participation in National events such as the annual agricultural exhibition, Mashramani celebrations, political rallies for various occasions like World Solidarity Day or the anniversary of the party, has never found the GDF wanting.
Basic training courses for drill, seamanship, driving and cooking for example are thrown open to all of the
