EIGHTEEN officers yesterday graduated from the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Standard Officers Course, Number 47, with Commander-in-Chief, President Donald Ramotar exhorting them to maintain a high level of professionalism and integrity, and to serve their country with dignity at all times.Addressing the Commissioning Parade on the Drill Square, Camp Ayanganna, Georgetown, in brilliant sunshine, President Ramotar congratulated the officers on their promotion from Ensigns to Second Lieutenants, noting that their achievement is deserving of high praise.The President also lauded Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips, the course instructors, other Army Officers and the families of the newly-graduated Lieutenants, whose support he said have paid dividends.
Speaking directly to the officers dressed neatly in white and green and standing rigorously at attention, the Commander-in-Chief emphasised that life in the Army is about sacrifice, and naturally soldiers at times will be separated from their families.
He told the gathering that in the line of duty, their country must always be placed first, followed by their families and lastly themselves.
GREAT RESPONSIBILITY
President Ramotar reminded the officers that their new badges are an indication of their authority and the confidence the Government reposes in them, but warned that it comes with great responsibility.
On this note, he urged them to serve their country with honour and pride, always maintaining dignity, a high level of professionalism and integrity both within and outside the Guyana Defence Force.
He urged that they stay strong and never yield to temptation, always bear the name of their families in mind and uphold the honour of the distinguished organisation they represent. He added that by doing so, they will always win the admiration of their superiors and serve as good examples to those under their charge.
The role of the Army, he said, is to protect the territorial integrity of the country and the maintenance of peace and stability within its borders, all vital for the growth and development of Guyana.
The President also underscored that the GDF is a professional, non-partisan organisation, and must inspire confidence in the people as the country heads into Regional and General Elections on May 11, by demonstrating the ability to make right decisions.
He said while soldiers have the right to vote for any candidate they chose, their mandate is to carry out their duty in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Guyana.

Full confidence
The President on this score told the gathering of senior Government officials that he has full confidence in Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Phillips and other senior Army Officers in maintaining the proud tradition of honour and professionalism of the GDF.
Rapping up his presentation, the President returned his focus on the new Lieutenants, imploring them to be worthy sons and daughters of Guyana, role models to young people and a credit to their country, their families and themselves.
He also praised the GDF band for its rousing presentation during the parade.
Meanwhile, the prize for Best Graduating Student went to Lewins Langellier while Noel August secured the prize for the Runner-up Student.
Winette Smartt, the lone female on the course copped the top prize for Best Military Knowledge and Drill while Ancel Tench of the Belize Defence Force was awarded the prizes for Best Shot and Best Fitness.
Aside from Tench, Rafael Gordon of the Belize Defence Force also successfully completed the course; as well as Persival Thomas of the St Kitts and Nevis Defence Force.
The GDF commenced training its own Cadet Officers in 1969. After 12 years, the Officer Cadet Division of Training Corps evolved into the first Officer Cadet School in the English-speaking Caribbean.
It became known as the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School (CUPOCS), in honour of Colonel Ulric Pilgrim, the first Commander of the Force.
A total of 47 courses have since been conducted at the school, commissioning in excess of 569 Officers for the Disciplined Services locally and from sister CARICOM countries.
The role of CUPOCS is to train young potential leaders of the various Disciplined Services to serve their country. The training seeks to develop good character and power of leadership; instill qualities of discipline, initiative and self-confidence; and teach the duties of citizenship, loyalty and patriotism.
During the training, the newly-commissioned Lieutenants underwent an intensive programme in military skills and tactics, rigorous physical fitness, team activities designed to promote stamina and group spirit, leadership and command methods, management techniques, military law, and national policy.