As army enforces policy against tattoos, would-be recruit’s hopes fade

The army’s move to enforce a strict policy against members having clearly visible tattoos has left one potential recruit with dashed hopes as he says he is unable to pay the huge cost to have his ink removed.

The 21-year-old, who asked not to be named, told Stabroek News yesterday that although he was informed that he performed exceptionally well in the entrance exam for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the tattoos which span the area between his elbow and fingertips on one of his arms are a sticking point. Major George said that at present one will find ranks who have tattoos but it is now required that they be removed if they are visible when in uniform.

These ranks have until March 31, 2017 to have them removed, according to a Force Order in place, he informed. He did not want to speculate on what would happen if ranks do not adhere to this order.

drug trafficking. Thom was brought before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and read a charge which stated that he, on January 14 at the CJIA, had in his possession 1.544 kg (equivalent to 3.4 pounds) of cocaine. Thom, 46, pleaded guilty.