ELEVEN Officer Cadets of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) survived the Standard Officers’ Course No. 45 to become Ensigns out of almost 20 persons who enlisted for the training.

The new Ensigns were Tuesday presented with their Badges of Rank by Chief-of- Staff of the GDF, Commodore Gary Best, who outlined their duties to them and expressed the expectation that some would achieve the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in a matter of months.
Commodore Best explained to the new Ensigns about the expectations of them and pointed out areas which would help them in their duties. These included their value to society and to the GDF, as well as the challenges that they would face, and the respect they would have to both give and earn.
“Duty therefore calls upon you, as future leaders, to rise and elevate performances that merit recognition…You are now new National Defence Security Practitioners, adding value to the tremendous work we in the Defence Force provide this nation,” he said.
“You will be seen as upholders of high values …called upon to defend our territorial integrity, defend our maritime and territorial borders, and you would be expected to show allegiance to your home community, and be a role model to the youth in your neighbourhood. Wherever you go, never forget, whether in or out of the green uniform, our nation demands the highest standard of you…it is not just about graduating with various stars, it is about national service to your country,” Commodore Best said.
He also told the Ensigns that they would be expected to put their nation and country first, and to show compassion and interest in their careers.
“We expect you to lead by example, to be an upholder and respecter of the rights of the servicemen.”
He further instructed them that within the GDF, there are a number of rights which they would be required to respect and uphold, and to provide equity to all.
“It is expected that the men of the GDF conform to the constitutional and other derivative laws and keep in step with government’s policies; and demonstrate our ability to recognise and measure the national temperature on key issues, such as discrimination as a guide to our actions. It therefore falls upon your shoulders to uphold these rights and provide equal opportunity to all,” he said.
The Chief -of- Staff urged the new officers to let duty, integrity, service and fairness be their watchwords.
The eleven new Ensigns are Marvin Dey, Godwin Cameron, Akeem Kirton, Wavon Samuels, Stacey Cadogan, Godfrey Isaacs, Seon Abrams, Eweart Andrews, Brian Christopher, Steffon Cameron and Teffurn James.