The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has slammed allegations made by a Defence Attorney who represented one of its serving ranks who is charged and before the courts for being in unlawful possession of one of the Force’s weapons.Devon HarrisOn Tuesday last, Lance Corporal 19553 Devon Harris had made his way into the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to be indicted before the Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry for allegedly swiping one of the army’s guns from the Armstore at Camp Stephenson, Timehri.During the court hearing, Harris was represented by Attorney at Law Patrice Henry who claimed that the manner in which the gun was kept by the accused is the culture of the Guyana Defence Force. However, in response, the army yesterday issued a press release in which it denied the claims of the lawyer.In its defence, it was explained that “Guyana Defence Force Security Standing Orders, set out very clearly, the procedures to be followed by its Armstores personnel with regard to the issuance of the Force’s weapons. These Orders expressly permit GDF Officers and Ranks to be in possession of its weapons only in the execution of their military duty.”The release continued that as an armstore personnel,Jerseys NFL Wholesale, Lance Corporal Devon Harris could not have issued to himself any weapon from the Force’s Armstore, since this would be in direct contravention of the Security Standing Orders. Furthermore,NHL Jerseys Authentic, it was stated that he was not permitted to have a weapon in his possession when off military duty.“It is instructive to note that an authority to issue document has to be signed by the Commanding Officer,Cheap Wholelsale NFL jerseys, for a weapon to be issued to any rank,” the Force clarified.The Force maintained that there has never been nor currently is a “culture” within its administration and operations that facilitates, encourages or allows for, any of its members to be in unlawful possession of the Force’s weapons or ammunition.Appearing before the Chief Magistrate, the rank stood accused of two offences. It was alleged that he stole the weapon sometime between December 27, 2013 and January 4, 2014 at Base Camp Stephenson,Cheap Adidas NHL Jerseys, Timehri, and further had it in his possession at his residence at Friendship, East Bank Demerara whilst he was not the owner of a firearm licence.During the court hearing,Cheap Wholesale Jerseys, the Attorney had related that his client has been a serving rank for over 12 years and at the time of the alleged crime, he was one of the Armstore employees. He explained that from the time he had been working at the Armstore, the weapon has always been in his possession and added that there are records which could validate his claim.In response,Jerseys NFL Wholesale, the Chief Magistrate indicated that the court would not heed to the bail application and remanded the accused until January 13. The matter was transferred and is set to be called before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Providence Magistrate’s Court.