GDF suspends two officers amid controversy

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Monday confirmed that due to the controversial issue surrounding two female ranks at one of its locations, a decision was made to have them suspended.
A representative of the GDF public relations department could not say how long is the suspension handed down to the two officials, but stated based on the complaint received, recommendations were made for them to be counselled.
The official refuted claims that the two ranks were dismissed, and revealed the possibility exists that they might have to appear before a disciplinary committee shortly.
The source disclosed that whatever disciplinary action is recommended will be executed forthwith, but reiterated that the two women are still serving members of the force, and as such, still receive their monthly salary.
Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon recently said that after the sanctioning of the two female officers by the GDF, it created an opportunity for the lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender to come out in support of the ladies, since it is the government’s responsibility not to discriminate against its citizens.
He said that he was unable to comment of the issue, since it was not raised at the defence board, but noted that in light of the recent occurrence, it provides an opportunity for gay rights to be brought to the forefront, and decisions made at the national level.
He added that the gay community is not without a certain amount of resources, both domestic and international, to get across their viewpoint, and is certain that the opportunity that these events provide will more than allow them to introduce aspects of the military, and its position on gay soldiers, and a national position on homosexuality.
Dr Luncheon stated he was happy in a convoluted way since the occurrence has contributed to the fostering of an appetite to deal with the issue.
The Society Against Sexual Orientation Dis-crimination (SASOD) agreed that the incident demonstrates that there is inadequate legal and constitutional protection and means of redress for discrimination based on sexual orientation in Guyana.
The organisation said that as a state agency, the Guyana Defence Force is bound to uphold the supreme law of the land, the Guyana Constitution, which guarantees each and every citizen the right to equality. However, homosexuality and cross-dressing are illegal in Guyana.
Late October, a recording of two female ranks of the Guyana Defence Force in a compromising position had circulated in their camp. After internal investigation, it was proven that the recording was on one of the officers’ phone that was reportedly stolen.
Rumours spread like wildfire that the two female ranks were dismissed by the GDF, as such, certain sections of society intervened in the matter to have it resolved amicably.