GDF tackles fuel theft incident

– says the perpetrator will be subject to disciplinary action

THE Guyana Defense Force (GDF) on Thursday confirmed the authenticity of a video making the rounds on social media showing one of its ranks stealing fuel from a service vehicle near a military installation.
The referenced video, the military said in a news release, was created as a means to substantiate the commission of the crime.

The military noted that it is unfortunate that evidence of the theft was “shared in the public domain” and said that if the electronic tracking device had not been installed in the vehicle, they would have been none the wiser that anything was wrong.
The device, it said, was implemented to improve accountability and management of its “defense assets.”

“After being alerted to an anomaly by our tracking system, the rank was caught red-handed by a senior officer and has since been dealt with for disciplinary action,” the army said, adding: “The force would therefore like to inform the public that this interception is a success story of the actions taken to improve our responsibility for our assets, and that we continue to benefit from the complementary deployment of appropriate technologies over the past year.

Concluding, it said: “The Armed Force will continue to swiftly address illegal activities within its ranks, and remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, as the people of Guyana deserve no less.”
It also said that in furtherance of its service to the nation, “the Armed Forces takes this opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices and selfless service of all its officers and ranks, and to thank the people of Guyana for their continued trust.”