Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Brigadier General Rodney Smart, says the country is plagued with falling values and violence against women and children.
Smart was addressing his fellow colleagues yesterday at the Chief of Defence Staff Parade at Tetron Barracks in Chaguaramas.
“There is an upsurge of crime and violence and the economic downturn.
“There would be an expectation from our country men in overcoming these threats,” he said.
He said the Defence Force is prepared to deal with these circumstances.
‘We are capable of defending the nation’s interest and development. We must continue to strike to meet the expectations of our country men,” he said.
He said despite budget cuts and the tough economic times the Defence Force will deliver.
“We have seen challenges in our society of falling values and violent acts against women and children. We can see these in the purview of the falling standards and we should become a beacon in our nation,” he said.
Smart advised his colleagues to continue to work and pursue excellence.
On a different note, Smart said from this year onward there will be a presentation of the Brigadier General Roland Garth Maunday Trophy for the Best Formation on Parade.
This year’s winner was the Defence Force Reserves and the trophy was given to the Commanding Officer Major Andy Berahazar.
RECIPIENTS OF AWARDS FOR OVER 30 YEARS SERVICE
Maj C Richardson
Maj A Berahazar
Maj L Mc Leon-Mohammed
Capt W McIntosh
Squ Ldr L Carrington
Squ Ldr C Jackson
Flt Lt R Alexander
FCPo R Quashie
WO1 D Scanterbury
WO1 J Edwards
SSgt Mohammed
SSgt Haynes
SSgt Smith
Sgt Cox