People’s National Congress Reform presidential candidate David Granger, in a bid to garner support for his presidential run, pledged to undertake several initiatives that would better the lives of ex-GDF personnel.
In his address to members of the XGDF Association of Guyana over the Labour Day weekend, Granger focused on initiatives to secure the future of serving members of the GDF to ensure they are well taken care of when they reach the age of retirement.
The retired brigadier, who is also a member of the association, urged the ex- soldiers present to exercise their democratic right to vote, while stressing that all activities leading up to and after elections must be conducted in a lawful manner.
In defending himself against allegations that he had “blood on his hands” when civilians were killed on the Corentyne coast during post-elections turmoil in the 1970s, Granger noted that the Guyana Defence Force was the only military outfit on the South American continent which never rose up against the government of the day; and he said he would never encourage GDF members to be disrespectful to the commander in chief or the joint services.
Retired Lieutenant Colonel George Gomes, president of the XGDF Association, also defended Granger. Gomes said it was the duty of veterans to support one of their brothers 100 per cent if he is seeking high office.
Billing Granger as Guyana’s “redeemer” and the “president-in-waiting,” Gomes urged the veterans to ensure that they are registered, are in possession of their identification cards, and turn out to vote. The next claims and objections period is expected to start shortly.
Life after the army
The issue of the retirement age for officers attached to the GDF was of major concern to Granger, since the majority of ranks are retired when they still have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the force, and the country by extension. He said: “We were trained as assets of this country, and as such, we are not liabilities,” and should not be “shipwrecked” at an early retirement age.
A passionate Granger advocated additional educational training for ranks to prepare them for a “second career”. He noted that “most ranks would spend 20 years in service of the country, and when they are finished are no better off educationally than when they entered the force.” As such, a “veterans’ educational grant” was proposed to prepare persons to enhance the skills they learned during the years of service in the army so that they might be equipped for service with private sector companies. Emphasising the importance of the private sector in Guyana’s economic development, Granger added that a micro financing facility was on the cards to assist ex- officers who are inclined towards establishing small businesses but have problems sourcing financing.
