Exposed - Fake News About GDF & Camp Jaguar

As memes go, there is a widely circulated quote beside a picture of the USA’s 16th President Abraham Lincoln that reads “Don’t believe everything you read on the internet just because there is a picture and a quote next to it - Abraham Lincoln”

“Don’t believe everything you read on the internet just because there is a picture and a quote next to it - Abraham Lincoln”

The creator of this now viral meme is a master of sarcasm and for this piece of eternal artistry deserves a tipped hat. Also on the internet today, is a well delivered tale from someone claiming to be a member of the Guyana Defence Force stationed at Base Camp Jaguar complaining about the hardships being endured while in service to this Land of Many Waters. But intelligent minds would ask why would the GDF want to deploy ranks only to mistreat them especially now when the country is plagued with discontented neighbours with uncivilized intentions.

The first priority of the Guyana Defence Force is to defend the territorial integrity of Guyana so why would the institution that was created with such vital responsibility then turn around and not adequately provide ample food and a hospitable living space and conditions for the men and women tasked with these duties.

 Our information is that the GDF Quartering Administration did not and has not forsaken their mandate. Food and other supplies are delivered to Base Camp Jaguar as scheduled and meals that are prepared and served are in the keeping with best dietary practices. This will ensure each deployed person receives a balanced diet. We understand that ration included a more than adequate supply of chicken as well as fresh fish and wild meat that is hunted by a locals. We have also been informed that there is adequate access to the internet so that soldiers can communicate with their family members and loved ones. Recreational activities and sports are a fixture in the ranks daily routine and for their entertainment there is Direct TV. There was an issue that was reported with the non-functional water pump but that is being addressed. And there is adequate lighting.

Is life a bed of roses during deployment? Probably not. However, from all indications there is no wanton disregard for the men and women who are dedicating their lives to the safety and security of all Guyanese. 

Camp Jaguar

Our advice, if you have an issue report it within the command, give them an opportunity and time to make it right.

Turning the Tide | Guyana's Contribution to Haiti's Shift towards Stability

After months of instability fueled by gang violence, and the deaths and injury of thousands of Haitian people the demand for the resignation of Prime Minister Dr Ariel Henry has been heeded.

The resignation was announced to the world by current Chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Guyana’s President HE Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali who was in Jamaica last week with other Caricom leaders, the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and other officials.

His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali shaking hand with Secretary Blinken

It was also announced that a presidential council which would "hold relevant and possible powers of the Haitian presidency during the transition period until an elected government is established”.

These terms, although not quite the “Haitian-led solutions” called for from one of the main gang leaders responsible for much of the unrest in the French-speaking nation have been accepted.

According to international news reports, Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier has said he was going to call for a truce to evaluate the situation.

Stability returning to Haiti

“If Ariel Henry resigns, I think we are going to call for a truce just to evaluate the situation, just to allow the negotiations to take place between all sectors of society and the armed groups,” said Barbecue.

This would seem like the best possible outcome at this time. This was not the time for grandstanding or heroics as what was needed was an immediate solution to the violence and volatility in Haiti.

So then why would a former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, with a Doctorate of Philosophy on International Relations interpret this situation as anything but a victory for the people of Haiti. Why would he describe the tireless hours of planning, strategizing, and negotiations for a chance of healing for Haiti as a “squandered opportunity” for President Irfaan Ali.

Could this former freed drunk driver (and accused agent of manslaughter), have another motive for attacking the President?

Perhaps it is simply a case where the reportedly inebriated doctor is employing the school yard tactic that says to attack the biggest person on the playground to raise your own profile. Is Dr Gary Best trying to gain mileage for a some kind of run within his clearly lost political party or does he plan to break away and form his own party and is using every possible platform to “make noise”?

Rear Admiral Gary Best presenting at PNC/R headquarters

Inspire of this noise, Guyanese and the world have not been fooled and continue to see President Ali remains a giant among men because he knew that goal of the Caricom and all international partners remains to return Haiti to stability and on the path to prosperity.

Informed Guyanese also know that this is not the time to cherry-pick wins when the alternative would be continued suffering for our brothers and sisters in Haiti.