– during GDF Commissioning Parade
COMMANDER-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency President Donald Ramotar, while addressing the Commissioning Parade of the Standard Officers’ Course # 44 at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Drill Square, Base Camp Ayanganna, told the gathering yesterday that, in securing our nation, he urges members of the disciplined services to avoid the temptation of being compromised by the lure of fast money and quick riches. The president said, “Yielding to such temptations corrupts good morals and is an affront to our proud heritage. I urge instead [that you] pursue diligently and steadfastly on the honourable road to success, hard and honest [work]; and there is no substitute for such an approach.
“Let me remind you to take with you all our duties. But the reputation of the disciplined forces and this country’s good name, do not let us down. You can be assured that, once you work hard and honestly, reward will come your way, along with the priceless benefits of clear conscience and a good night’s sleep.”
President Ramotar said the attitude of the newly-commissioned second lieutenants must be that of integrity and professionalism, which are key elements to serve in the disciplined services.
He stated that the government would continue to professionalise and modernise the military, to better serve our people; and he assured the soldiers that the government   would support committed professionals that serve in the disciplined services.
President Ramotar urged the newly decorated officers to remain loyal to the Constitution of Guyana, and to continue to bring values, as well as take care of retired members of the disciplined services, in ensuring they have an active and fulfilling future ahead of retirement.
He disclosed that government has pledged its continued support in providing training to  members of the disciplined services; nevertheless, he encouraged others to join and assume leadership roles, where men and women can have a bright, rewarding future of serving this country and its people.

BRIGHT FUTURE
President Ramotar encouraged the new officers to be optimistic, since glorious days lie ahead for them. He declared the future bright, and urged all to seize every opportunity to improve themselves.
He said, “You are on the right path. Think big, think lofty, be honourable in your duties, and do not betray those who love you — the country and the people; and serve with dignity, be patriotic.”
President Ramotar also congratulated the ensigns for receiving their badges of rank yesterday, since it was a proud time for them.
He said, “This exercise is worthy of the scrupulous attention that has [attended] this preparation. It is a special event,” even as he thanked all those who worked tirelessly to bring this ceremony off for those outstanding ensigns.
This commissioning exercise is the fulfilment of their ambition to embark on a career as an officer in the disciplined forces. It also marks the culmination of this very demanding 12-month training programme that provided a stern test of the minds and bodies of the ensigns, he said.
President Ramotar told the gathering that the 15 second lieutenants survived the rigours of the training, and now stand proudly before the nation. More importantly, this training has produced ensigns who are expected to assume positions of leadership in the disciplined services.
The president said, “Let us congratulate them for their success. Today is a special day for them, one they will remember and cherish for the rest of their lives. It paves the way for them to aspire to greater things, to all the graduands’ unending success in the future. You have distinguished yourselves in Standard Officers’ Course # 44 and deserve the accolades for your perseverance and your achievement thus far. You have been successful because of your ambition, drive, determination, ability and discipline. These qualities are being rewarded today. You have also been able to achieve your success because of your support received over the years from your parents, relatives, friends, teachers, instructors, peers and your superiors. Please remember to show your appreciation to all those who have made a difference in your life.”
President Ramotar told the newly-decorated officers that the sign of good character is to always be grateful to those who, in one way or another, have been of assistance to them. “The examples of those who have guided you confirm that young people, once supported, can aspire to achieve without the historical lack of handicap of opportunity.
“I want to, therefore, join with the officers, certain of their appreciation; their parents, families and mentors, to thank you, the elders and instructors, and to recognise your invaluable and irreplaceable contribution to their personal development. We, the more experienced among you, must, however, see not your work as being finished; we must remain committed in guiding and encouraging our young ones to greater heights and achievements. With hard work, sacrifice and discipline, the world is literally at your feet.”
The Commander-In-Chief of the disciplined forces indicated that today Guyana is becoming increasingly attractive to young people with ambition. Here, too, are ample opportunities to satisfy the widest possible dreams of young people.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES
President Ramotar noted that the economy is growing, and new poles of economic development are emerging, all with exciting possibilities. At the same time, the modernisation of traditional sectors such as agriculture and mining is extremely important in this competitive world.
He added that the knowledge industry is gearing up to prepare new skills, we are also exploring for oil, we have great promise and our extensive forest cover allows us to become a global player in the provision of environmental services that raise significant resources to help us build resilience against the rising sea levels, floods, and effects of the unpredictable weather patterns.
“We have plans to establish a deep-water harbour to allow larger vessels to dock here, whereby to allow to export and import at larger volumes and more cheaply.
“Today, in our world, food is becoming a global issue. This means the role of agriculture will appreciate. We in Guyana have great possibilities, in that we have land and fresh water which are indispensable in producing food.
“Deepening our integration with the rest of the continent through physical infrastructure will allow us to become a major force by the movement of goods and services between South and North America and the rest of the world.”
President Ramotar noted that hydroelectricity will reduce the cost of electricity and make us more productive; and with this infrastructure in place, we can become industrialised quickly using cheap energy and clean energy.
These, he said, are some of the major projects that form part of the agenda under which his government intends to pay special attention because of their ability to rapidly improve the lives of citizens.
“This is the place [for] sustained development within a free, democratic and harmonious society. [Guyana is] a country realising its potential, and in so doing providing more and more opportunities for our people.
Across Guyana, young people are already seizing available opportunities to make some decisions about their future.”
He stated that the 15 young officers have chosen careers in the disciplined forces of Guyana, and it is the most honourable career. “And I must say I agree totally with my wife, who recently addressed the Women’s Corps of the GDF and said, in her view, service in the disciplined services is one of the greatest public service a citizen can give to his or her country.”
President Ramotar noted that, for the majority of soldiers, the service to which they are called is to defend their country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“For us, it will be to protect our nation from internal security threats, or to accentuate the dangers people face because of unexpected risks.
“You are all being called to service in peace time. We enjoy friendly and good relations with all our neighbours, we present no threat to anyone. Our defence arsenal combines a professional military with an active diplomacy aimed at building strong relations with other countries, while embracing regionalism which affords us options of collective security.
“Through this approach, we have reduced external threats, forged friendly ties, and allowed for political and economic benefits for all our peoples.”
Among the roles of the disciplined services will be the continued protection of the National Anthem. “The defence of our country’s territorial integrity now includes the defence of maritime zones, including protection from the ills of piracy.”
Meanwhile, at the Guyana Defence Force’s Commissioning Parade for Standard Officers’ Course (SOC) # 44, 11 ensigns from the GDF, two ensigns from the Guyana Police Force, and two ensigns from the Guyana Fire Service were elevated in rank to second lieutenant.
The Best Student was Ensign Anthony Lyttle of the GDF, who was also presented the Sword of Honour, the Brazilian Armed Forces and the Venezuelan Armed Forces awards at a dinner last night.
Runner-up best Student is Jermaine Grant of the GPF, who also won the Best Drill prize; the best Military Knowledge award went to Ensign Preston Paul of The GDF, and Best Shot prize was won by Ensign Samuel Klein also of the GDF.
The ceremony got under way yesterday with the parade marching on, the arrival of President Ramotar, inspection of the troops, parade march past, the decoration of the ensigns with badges of rank by President Ramotar, awards to the best performers, address by the President, parade marching Off, Band Display, and Flag Lowering.
The SOC #44 was developed to provide training, not only for new army officers, but also for new officers of the other services. The SOC therefore provides a solid foundation for the subsequent professional development of all cadets entering the GDF. It is consequently only an introduction to the officer training and development systems of all military and paramilitary services in Guyana, and must be supplemented by the appropriate specialist and technical training of the relevant services.
The syllabus of the course includes an intensive programme of military skills and tactics, rigorous physical fitness, team activities designed to promote stamina and group spirit, leadership and command methods, management techniques, military law, and national policy.