TEN Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Second Lieutenants were presented with their Instruments of Commission and State Warrants, yesterday, by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Donald Ramotar.

The function was held in the Credentials Room at Office of President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown and those who took the oaths as Second Lieutenants were Godwin Cameron, Marvin Dey, Akeem Kirton, Wavon Samuels, Godfrey Isaac, Seon Abrams, Brian Christopher, Steffon Cameron, Teffrun James and the lone female, Stacy Cadogan.
They had previously been decorated with the badges of rank on Wednesday, by President Ramotar, in Camp Ayanganna, at the Commissioning Parade following the conclusion of the Standard Officers Course (SOC) Number 45.
In a vote of thanks, Godwin Cameron, Best Student of the Course, said it was a privilege for the group and they will perform to the best of their ability.
He recalled that, on Wednesday, when President Ramotar addressed them, they were challenged to always upgrade themselves in science and technology as well as to protect Guyana’s territorial integrity.
Cameron pledged that they will serve the country well and matters of security will be their greatest responsibility, as they hold it with high regard and all the sentiments echoed by the President on Wednesday have resonated with them.

ALSO WON
On Wednesday, at the awards presentation, Best Student Godwin Cameron also won the Sword of Honour, the Brazilian Armed Forces and the Venezuelan Armed Forces prizes.
The runner-up Best Student was Marvin Dey and Best Driller Seon Victor Abrams. The Best Military Knowledge Award went to Dey and the Best Shot to Ewart Andrews, who, along with two others are overseas on training.
The event also had a parade with marching band display, which was witnessed by a crowd that  included parents and guardians of the graduates, apart from invitees and others.
The SOC was developed to provide training not only for new military officers but also new officers of the other uniformed services and offers a solid foundation for the subsequent professional development of all cadets entering the Joint Services.
The syllabus of the course includes an intense programme of military skills and tactics, rigorous physical fitness, team activities designed to promote stamina and group spirit, leadership and command methods, and management techniques. It also covers military law and national policy.
The SOC Number 45 started on March 14, 2012, with 38 ranks but 24 failed and only 10 successfully completed it.