Newly appointed Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier George Lewis has issued a stern warning to ranks who are engaged in deviant behaviour, cautioning that soldier who break the law and defence regulations will be penalised.
Lewis, in his first public address since his promotion last month, told his officers and ranks that they should stop seeing themselves as being above the law and urged compliance with the law.
“Stop speeding, stop refusing the instructions of policemen and women, stop abusing your spouses and children, stop stealing, particularly cell phones, and generally stop your deviant behaviours,” Lewis said in an address to mark the Force’s 51st anniversary.
The Army Chief said he was honoured to be at the helm of the GDF during this time but said he expects that with change comes the difficult task of adjusting to new management and leadership styles.
He said ranks have nothing to fear from his leadership once they do their jobs professionally.
“This Force must be a credit to the nation. Every act must be above reproach. It is an honourable profession and others will look to us for guidance and as such your conduct must be honourable at all times,” he said.
Lewis said the ranks must endeavour to earn the respect of the nation and they must do so through professional behaviour.
He said too many times ranks are charged for traffic offences, abuse and petty criminal offences which bring the entire Force into disrepute.
Speaking directly to his commanders, the Chief of Staff said more must be done to end the frequency with which junior ranks abscond.
“Too often we discover that soldiers absconded because commanders fail them by not listening and addressing concerns because they were too busy… I command you to stop being busy looking after yourselves and start focussing on your subordinates, “Lewis added.
He reminded those officers that it was not only a duty to guide and care for subordinates but they are also being paid to do that.
He said no abuse of trainees will be accepted.
Lewis noted that there was a need for a new command and management climate within the army, one that not only focuses on soldiers but promotes better relations with the families of officers and ranks.
He also congratulated the female ranks for their service to the force and urged their male colleagues to ensure they are respected.
Lewis said female ranks must not be seen as vassails for the sexual desires of male ranks.
In the same breath, he urged the females to behave with decorum and ensure they demand their respect.
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