Latest update April 19th, 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.
Where is the BETTER MANAGEMENT/RENEGOTIATION OF THE OIL CONTRACTS you promised Jagdeo?
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