The newspaper claimed that senior GDF officers on Monday "expressed concern over statements made by their Commander-in-Chief, President Bharrat Jagdeo that they were not doing enough to arrest the crime situation".

The newspaper further claimed that senior Army officers had asked to meet Army Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Michael Atherly on the issue.

In a statement last night, the Army said that on Monday, a meeting summoned by Brigadier Atherly was attended by Officers comprising the senior management of the Force.

"During that meeting a number of issues related to the administration and management of the Force, including the maintenance of the morale of serving members, were discussed.

"The Chief-of-Staff also took the opportunity to issue a rallying call, noting that it was more necessary now to hold such sessions with subordinates in light of the criminal situation that tore at the very fabric of the society", the statement said.

It added: "The Chief-of-Staff also encouraged his officers to continue to uphold the Constitution and to avoid the many distractions that have the potential to affect operational efficiency and cohesion.

"The story that appeared in the Stabroek News was most speculative and held no credence to the sensational caption.

"Further, the suggestion of a departure from the established forms of military culture and practice may have unwittingly led to public alarm in an already charged environment."

President Jagdeo last week announced that he has asked the Police and Army to revisit the current anti-crime strategies because these were not working.

Mr. Jagdeo reiterated his Government's concern and resolve to combat the current crime wave in the country, pledging full support in every way to the security forces as they do battle with a very difficult crime situation, in a bid to return the country to normalcy.