The statement was made following media exchanges on the crime situation currently gripping Guyana.

The statement in full said: “ as a major stakeholder in national security affairs, the GDF has an obligation to comment on the most recent exchanges in the media on the crime situation.

“ While we feel that a public review of joint services operations would serve no useful purpose, it is necessary to assure Guyanese citizens of our commitment to upholding the constitution of Guyana.

“The GDF has had a proud history of support for the democratic principle of military subordination to civilian authority; perhaps more than any other country on this continent. We therefore dismiss any suggestion of disobedience or non-compliance with proper and legitimate orders issued by the Civilian Policy Makers.

“The GDF’s deployment to the lower East Coast of Demerara, to support the police, was reflective of compliance with the express orders of the National Defence Board, and those orders confirmed to the constitutional role of the GDF in the maintenance of order in Guyana. Further, we reject rumours and conjecture that the Policy positions and directives of the Commander-in-Chef are inhibitive and unclear.

“In the conduct of internal security operations, the military is prepared to apply violence in a measured, ethical and legal manner, since the unrestrained use of deadly force is a contravention of both national and international laws.

“In supporting the police in crime fighting, the strict management of deadly force remains a pre-eminent factor given the combat power available to the military. The doctrine of ‘ minimum force’ is cardinal for the army, less it stand accused of a ham fisted or brutal approach.