In his admonition of the negative attributes displayed by certain members of the T&T Defence Force, Commander in Chief George Maxwell Richards yesterday questioned whether officers truly adhere to the tenets of their uniform and to the "loyalty" demanded by their esteemed profession. "Some of the reports which have come to my attention and which are doing damage to the reputation of the service, cause me to wonder whether being in the Defence Force simply provides a means of livelihood. "I must state categorically that it has to be much more than that. This is a career for which a most important attribute must by loyalty to country," he said. Richards made the comments while delivering the feature address at the 49th anniversary Parade of the formation of the Defence Force at the Second Infantry Battalion Heliport in Chaguaramas yesterday.
Among those present at the event were his wife Dr Jean Ramjohn-Richards, acting Chief Justice Wendell Kangaloo, Senate president Timothy Hamel-Smith, Speaker Wade Mark, National Security Minister John Sandy, as well as acting Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier General Kenrick Maharaj. In questioning whether "the Force, by its deportment and demeanour of its members, consistently inspire confidence," the President urged officers to think "introspectively" and be mindful of the public scrutiny they face and of the significance they must attach to the emblems they display most proudly. "I am not sure how significant the uniform is for those of you who wear it. "The uniform sets you apart and should represent security to the beholder as well as the trustworthiness of the wearer. It should therefore be worn with that understanding," Richards said.
He added: "Defence Force vehicles, all of which are easily identifiable, ought not to be abused and give occasion for reproach from other road users. "Indeed our drivers must set an example, not of racing skills as some seem to think they must, but of courtesy and consideration to others." Emphasising that "T&T cannot afford to be left behind", Richards reminded those present that "the current security environment both at home and abroad, called for improvements in the conventional training methodologies." The President publicly endorsed the establishment of the Army Learning Resource Centre which he said will cater adequately for those "needs."
Richards said: "Our circumstances make no room for passivity and it is expected that the troops will be resolute in taking the fight to those who have no love for our country and who by their greed, driven be self interests, are bent on destroying our human resource and indeed, our sovereignty." He lauded the Defence Force for having "made its mark" in the Western Hemispheric military history through its provision of "the very first Director General of the Inter-American Defence Board which in 2006 became an entity of the Organisation of American States (OAS)." Richards reiterated that the service officers provide was "a unique one" and that "business as usual" was not an option. "Loyalty of the Force cannot be purchased. Either you are a patriot or you are not... at the heart of which, is the strong defence of our democracy."