THE Officer Corps of the Guyana Defence Force has been further enhanced with the commissioning of 16 officers who were issued with their Instruments of Commission by Commander in Chief President Donald Ramotar in the Credentials Room of the Office of the President yesterday. 

The young officers, who received their badges of rank from the President on Wednesday at a parade in their Honour at Defence Head Quarters Base Camp Ayanganna, received the Instruments of Commission which represent their authority to function as officers in the Guyana Defence Force.
The officers included Lieutenant Eon Cameron, who underwent additional training in Brazil, through collaboration between the two armies and 15 second lieutenants who completed training at the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School (CUPOCS). Included among those receiving their Instruments of Commission was one female Winette Smartt, who also outdid her male counterparts earning awards for best drilling and Military Knowledge. Second Lieutenant Lewins Langellier, who was the best graduating student on the course, delivered the vote of thanks at yesterday’s ceremony in which he thanked the Commander in Chief for his remarks delivered at the parade on Wednesday and assured him that as officers they will serve Guyana without fear or favour, affection or ill will.
Nine serving Non Commissioned Officers were also issued with State Warrants after pledging allegiance to the state. They are drawn from the various branches of the Defence Force and would have completed the required training and displayed the level of disciplined service to be so promoted.
Witnessing the ceremony were Chief-Of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips, and other senior officers of the army and members of the media.