Latest update May 13th, 2024 12:59 AM
Aug 09, 2016 Sports
Retired Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Colonel Desmond Theophilus Roberts was yesterday sworn in as a Commissioner to examine, advise and report on conditions and circumstances facing the veterans of the GDF, Guyana People’s Militia and the Guyana National Service (GNS).
The simple ceremony took place before Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Minister of State Joseph Harmon was also present at the swearing in ceremony.
According to Harmon, the Commissioner will be inquiring into the treatment of retired and ex-militia staff and army veterans.
He told reporters yesterday that the COI is an initiative by President David Granger.
“If you can recall while in opposition the President had brought a motion to the National Assembly calling on the then Government to establish a Commission of Inquiry ,(COI) into the conditions of the veterans of Guyana Defence Force, Guyana National Service , the People ‘s Militia and the Guyana Police Force are being treated.”
Harmon noted that a COI never materialized under the PPP administration. However since the matter is of interest to the President, the Minister said that steps have been taken to ensure that the COI is conducted.
“That is what you have witnessed today with the swearing in of Colonel Roberts as Commissioner,” he stated.
The activity is set to conclude within two months.
Roberts is also tasked with making recommendations to ensure their health and welfare. The Commissioner is also a former military man and Director General of the Guyana National Service, (GNS) has a wealth of knowledge about the armed forces.
He was selected to hoist the flag at the National Park on Independence night May 1966. Later that year, Roberts led his platoon to the border, after the half of Ankoko Island, which belonged to Guyana, was occupied by the Venezuelan National Armed Forces (FAN).
In 1967, he gained much experience as a staff to the Chief of Staff, Colonel Ronald Pope, before being appointed OC No. 4 Company in 1968.
The following year, Roberts commanded a company in the operation to quell the Rupununi rebellion.
Listen how to run an oil country
May 13, 2024
GCB T10 Blast Semi-finals… Kaieteur Sports – The semi-finals of the GCB T10 Blast will get underway today, barring inclement weather as the final four teams look to book spots in the...Kaieteur News – The PPP is engaging in myth-making in seeking to perpetuate the narrative that it is now an ideologically... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Is it ever justifiable for journalism to fan the flames of geopolitical tension? This question arises... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]