Collins sworn in as new army Chief-of-Staff
Stabroek News
May 29, 2004
Newly sworn-in Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Edward Collins (right) being congratulated by his predecessor, Major-General Michael Atherly. President Bharrat Jagdeo is in the background at centre. (Ken Moore photo)
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) can get better if the productive power of the country grows, as the army depends on allotted resources, Brigadier Edward Collins said.
Consequent upon his appointment as Chief-of-Staff, Collins has been promoted to the rank of Brigadier, while Atherly has been promoted to Major-General.
Minutes after he was sworn-in as Chief-of-Staff by President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Office of the President yesterday, Collins said that the GDF is at present functioning with the available equipment and resources, while seeking to improve despite everyday challenges.
"It is a distinct privilege to have been selected and an honour to have been promoted to this office. I give praise to God," Collins said during the ceremony.
Speaking with reporters after the swearing-in, he said that ethnicity has never been a problem in the GDF. Recently the Disciplined Forces Commission made recommendations on improving ethnic balance in the army.
The Commission had suggested the mounting of a public information programme targeting Indo-Guyanese communities to remove misperceptions of its recruitment policy, among other things.
Addressing the issue, Chief-of-Staff Collins said that the GDF has an open method of recruitment based on certain criteria, irrespective of the applicant's ethnicity. He said that applicants are enlisted once the criteria are met.
There is no exclusion of any ethnic group from enlisting in the army, Collins asserted, and no person is at a disadvantage. While the capacity of the marine arm of the GDF is also to be addressed, Collins said they are looking at the Coast Guard and working along with government to ensure that resources are put into that area.
Immediate past Chief-of-Staff Major-General Michael Atherly told reporters that he was happy, proud and confident to hand over the mantle to Collins. He said that the nation has nothing to fear, for Collins is capable of continuing wise leadership of the military in Guyana.
Atherly pointed out that he was only leaving the military but not yet retiring. He noted that he would be around and in contact with Collins.
Atherly said there are many options that he is looking at but is yet to settle on his next move.
However, his immediate plan is to take a vacation. Atherly, who was in the army since 1970, had been Chief-of-Staff from May 15, 2000.
President Jagdeo during his brief comments said the former Chief-of-Staff had provided long and dedicated service to the army, and he hoped that Atherly would remain engaged in public service.
Jagdeo said that Collins now has the full support of the government and expressed confidence that the new Chief-of-Staff would serve in the capacity with distinction.