PRESIDENT and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Thursday, promoted Colonel Omar Khan to the rank of Brigadier and the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF).

The two-part ceremony also saw the President confirming Brigadier Godfrey Bess as the 11th Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force.

A change of command parade will take place tomorrow, during which Brigadier Bess will officially hand over command to Brigadier Khan.

The appointment of Brigadier Khan was made in keeping with the head of state exercising his powers as Minister of Defence vested within the Defence Act. During a change of command parade tomorrow, Brigadier Bess will officially hand over command to Brigadier Khan.

Khan currently heads the National Intelligence and Security Agency (N.I.S.A).

The outgoing Chief-of-Staff had previously said that he is grateful for the memories and invaluable skills provided to him throughout his military career, adding that service to his country afforded him the opportunity of being part of something greater than himself.

“I look forward to the next chapter of my life and am excited about spending more time with my family, pursuing new challenges and hobbies, and exploring new opportunities. I am proud to have served alongside the brave men and women of the Guyana Defence Force,” he said.