Written by Michel Outridge
PRIME MINISTER and acting President Samuel Hinds has urged Cadet Officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to demonstrate a sense of pride in serving the nation, so that their family members and others can be proud of them.

He made this exhortation yesterday during the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Officer Cadet Day at the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School at Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri, East Bank Demerara,

Mr. Hinds also urged the Officer Cadets to work well with what they have since Guyana is a developing country.

He expressed satisfaction, however, with the thrilling performance by the Officer Cadets who showcased their expertise in using various lethal weaponry, endurance, falling plate shoot, jungle survival and martial arts.

He stated that it was good to see that the spirit of the army is still alive as they seek to promote and maintain order and discipline and to be good examples as they prepare to lay down their lives for their fellow citizens.

Hinds also encouraged the Officer Cadets to develop a bond with the army and among themselves, in addition to a world view since Guyana is in an early stage of development.

GDF Chief of Staff Brigadier General Mark Phillips complimented the organisers of the event which was executed in a timely manner and asked the Officer Cadets to put things into place through aggressive discipline.

He also outlined the importance of drills and discipline in the military, highlighting how this can define combat readiness. He added that following their graduation they will be deemed “managers of violence” as Second Lieutenants.

The GDF Officer Cadet Day yesterday saw several displays including teaching aids, a slide show on training course pictures and the rappelling display on the ranges as several soldiers rappelled from the Bell 214 helicopter.

A total of 12 members of the GDF accompanied by three members of the Belize Army are part of the GDF Standard Officers Course # 47.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Terry Benn said that 22 Guyanese started the one-year course with three members of the Belize Army in February this year.

Among the attendees was Commissioner of Police Leroy Brumell, Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle, senior members of the GDF and family members and relatives of the Officer Cadets.