Rise above disappointments -- Army Chief urges troops
Guyana Chronicle
December 22, 2006

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ARMY Chief of Staff Brigadier General Edward Collins yesterday urged ranks to use the season of Christmas to deeply reflect on the events of the past 12 months, during which there were many notable achievements but also “periods of incredible embarrassment”.

He also urged them to rise above the disappointments over the past year while simultaneously rededicating efforts to reclaim lost honour and credibility through a relentless and committed effort aimed at recovering the missing high-powered weapons that shockingly disappeared from the Army headquarters earlier this year.

“Christmas is a time for reflection and thus I encourage you to deeply reflect (on the events) over the past twelve months which can best be described as progressive, yet challenging in many ways,” he told his troops during the annual ‘Soldiers’ Day’ luncheon and get together at the Camp Ayanganna headquarters in Georgetown.

“Throughout the year, we faced and overcame many challenges as a force. We had many notable achievements and also periods of incredible embarrassments and frustrations,” he said.

Collins noted that very early in the year, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was struck by “one big blow followed by a series of smaller ones”, all caused by the misconduct of some ranks.

“But nonetheless…these acts did not restrict our fighting spirit nor did they render us incapable of accomplishing the tasks set by the Commander in Chief and achieving the GDF’s mission during the year,” he declared.

“On the contrary, they galvanised us and having been caught by a surprise attack, we, being the good soldiers we are, quickly recovered and responded well to the threat,” Collins asserted.

He said the coordinated response was with such ferocity, that it was “unanticipated by the enemies of the state”.

“We now see them reeling and we have put them on their back foot…” the Army Chief posited.

“Through it all we have remained steadfast in our determination to work together as a Force and indeed with the Joint Services to defeat the threat in order to create a secure environment so that many of the citizens of this country can feel safe to go about their business unhindered and unmolested to improve their lives and standard of living,” Collins contended.

He also urged the Army ranks that as they reflect on their collective good fortune as a Force, it is also important that they reflect on the true and eternal spirit of the season.

“And be thankful to God almighty that our lives have been spared and the Guyana Defence Force remained highly professional and intact as a national institution in this fledgling democracy,” he added.

“Again, we have gathered on yet another Soldiers Day to give recognition to the hard work and dedicated service of our soldiers during the year and to celebrate the feast of Christmas. Yes, this is the day that the Lord has made. This is the day…the Soldiers Day! Then, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Let us celebrate!,” he declared to loud applause from the Army ranks.

“So, as we share love and enjoy the traditions of this holiday, we must also be grateful for the men and women of our Joint Services who are working during this season to secure our borders, maintain the peace and safety of our citizens and enforce law and order throughout the country (and) our collective Christmas greetings go out to them and their families,” Collins said.

“Our force, like other organisations, has had its periods of difficulty this year; but I firmly believe that the challenges ahead can be met through the principles of hard work and unity and I submit that your initiative, sacrifice and commitment - in less than favourable circumstances - continue to stand out,” he told the soldiers.

“You have worked hard (and) I cannot ask for a better performance than what you have produced these past twelve months,” he lauded.

“You have joined so seamlessly with your counterparts in the Police Force that it has enhanced camaraderie and ‘jointness’ among the services much to the benefit of all,” he said..

“As we prepare to face the challenges of a new year, we must pray that the almighty God will continue to keep a watchful eye over our force and protect us from harm and misfortune,” he added.