COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF of the armed forces, His Excellency President Donald Ramotar, and Secretary to the Defence Board and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, yesterday performed the badging ceremony for Colonel Mark Phillips and Colonel Julian Brewster Lovell to officially signify their recent promotion to Brigadiers.

Brigadier Phillips will be the new Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force when Admiral Gary Best leaves office in three weeks’ time.
Speaking after the simple but significant ceremony yesterday at the Office of the President, President Ramotar congratulated the two senior army officers on their new promotions and urged them to work in the interest of the nation.
Meanwhile Brigadier Phillips thanked the President and the Government of Guyana for acknowledging his years of service in the Guyana Defence Force and for having the confidence in him to lead the Army.
In his remarks, Brigadier Lovell expressed his satisfaction that the government had also recognised his work in the force, thereby offering him a promotion 20 months before he officially proceeds on his pre-retirement leave.
He thanked the people who have assisted him throughout his career in the GDF since it helped him in achieving the various promotions which were bestowed on him during his army life.
Yesterday Brigadier Phillips vowed to serve the nation with the highest level of professionalism, something he said that the GDF has always been doing.
Present at yesterday’s event also were relatives and army colleagues who have shared special relationships with the two new Brigadiers. Presidential Advisor on Governance Gail Teixeira was also present at the ceremony.
Last week the Office of the President announced that President Donald Ramotar had promoted Colonels Mark Phillips and Bruce Lovell to the rank of Brigadiers.
The release had stated also that Phillips will be the next Chief of Staff upon the retirement of Rear Admiral, Gary Best.
Brigadier Phillips will also act as the chairman of the Joint Services Coordination Council, a position that is held by serving Army heads in Guyana.