What is the Global Protection Committee?

The government has claimed that the GPC was a group of mercenaries working illegally in the Maldives to create a coup, while others have said that the group was nothing more than a collection of ordinary bodyguards. In an exclusive interview with Minivan, Commander Michael Lord-Castle of GPC explains to Aminath Najeeb exactly what his group is all about.

Michael Lord-Castle: The Global Protection Committee was first formed in 1943 towards the end of the Second World War and over the years its role has changed. Initially, it was very much a British controlled organization, but since the early 1960’s GPC has become more international. It is now a multi-government-funded agency where different governments provide funds to carry out different roles. A lot of our work now is very much in negotiating with hostile organizations in different countries. For instance in Uganda we would talk to the Lord’s Resistance Army and try to reach some kind of peace settlement with them. In Israel and Palestine we would work on both sides trying to avoid any further harm. These are a few examples.

Our role is incredibly varied but ultimately it is about bringing peace. It is about assisting developing countries to be independent as opposed to relying upon more developed countries. There are over 2,400 members within the GPC and they range from ex-presidents, prime ministers and ministers of different countries. No role is undertaken without it being very carefully investigated first.