PREFACE
The purpose of this short history of the Guyana Defence Force is to trace the evolution of the military idea in Guyana from colonial times to our modern revolutionary era. I have not attempted to give a detailed chronicle of all the events that have occurred. I have studiously avoided references to personalities and particular achievements of individual units. These are good for the normal "Regimental Histories" and will probably come in time. The main trends in thought and behaviour have been sought and hopefully, accurately identified, for these are important now if we are to understand where we are going as a Force. It is clear that a few individuals might have contributed beyond the normal call of duty and I do not wish to ignore their efforts. But, for the force to have reached the present state of development, indicates the triumph of collective effort as the most important factor in our progress, and it is in recognition of the unsung sacrifices of the rank and file that this book is written in this way.
Military history provides thousands of dates, details, statistics and other data which could make very rewarding reading. Again I have tried to keep this work short and readable so it can be read and appreciated by the greatest number rather than become a dusty book-shelf ornament. The reader will not be at a loss since abundant information has been published elsewhere by the Government and, with an eye to economy, it would be unnecessary to republish so much already well-documented material in a compact presentation such as this. Finally, I selected the second-hand title "The New Road" to support my belief that the type of organisation that the. GDF was meant to become and is becoming, is a new phenomenon which belongs exclusively to the Guyanese People. It symbolises a new approach to our problems. It is a New Road to the realisation of the Socialist ideal.
July 1975
Matthew's Ridge
North West District.
