–amidst country’s rapid transformation, President Ali says
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF of the Armed Forces President Irfaan Ali on Friday urged newly commissioned officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to adapt and change in accordance with Guyana’s rapid transformation.
The Head of State gave this charge at State House on Friday, when he presented Instruments of Commission to officers and Warrant Officers of the country’s defence force.
Dr. Ali said: “Our country is changing, and you must change with it; we are building not just a more agile and technologically-savvy military, but a modern nation.”
As the country undergoes significant transformation, President Ali told the officers that challenges will require their attention.
These challenges of transnational threats ranging from cyber-security risks to narco-trafficking demand greater readiness, vigilance and integrity.
“Your ability to embrace these changes will be essential to ensuring the security and sovereignty of our nation,” President Ali said.
Further, he indicated that their service to Guyana represents a higher calling, and requires selfless dedication to the nation, and a willingness to make sacrifices.
Against this backdrop, the Commander-In-Chief, after presenting the instruments to the officers, indicated that it serves as their authorisation to act as commissioned officers and warrant officers.
With this, he highlighted that it is not just a title, but a certification of their readiness and competence to lead, and make critical decisions while guiding those under their charge.
While he said that they have earned this instrument through rigorous training and assessment by their superiors to uphold the responsibilities of military leadership, Dr. Ali urged the officers not to betray or disappoint those who placed their confidence and trust in them.
“Your commission and warrants carry great expectations; it requires loyalty, courage and exemplary conduct. Loyalty means a steadfast commitment to the Constitution, the Defence Force, and the Republic of Guyana. You are charged to protect our nation’s sovereignty, ensuring its territorial integrity,
and standing ready to counter any threat, whether external aggression or internal disorder. This loyalty, above all, transcends political divides, reminding you that the Defence Force is always subordinate to the Constitution and civilian authority,” he said.
Additionally, Dr. Ali told the officers that courage is indispensable, and calls for bravery in the face of threats, whether by incursion, invasion or insurrection, and as such this courage must inspire the men and women they lead.
He highlighted, too, that good conduct is the bedrock of discipline and leadership, and should characterise every interaction by them as officers.
While noting that good conduct extends to their activities outside of uniform duties, he indicated that their responsibility also includes adapting to the rapidly changing world and military studies that demand a great understanding of strategy, technological proficiency, cyber security and problem-solving.
“Your training must be ongoing throughout your careers to ensure that you’re always prepared for any challenge. The Guyana Defence Force is committed to supporting your development as part of a modernising military ready to defend, deter threats and respond to national emergencies,” Dr. Ali said.
During the ceremony, 18 officers received their instruments of commission as Second Lieutenants: Joshua Paul, Nikkita Andrews, Merissa Carrol-Hunte, Octavia Walcott, Kevaun Garnett, Kureece King, Owen Jones, Joneka Walcott, Rovin Ramsarup, Odwyn Baird, Shain Klass Francis, Travis Adams, Mark Blair, Ansel Murray, Nicol Gomes, Akeel Phillips, Tariq James and Milton Williams.
Additionally, 12 officers received their instruments of commission as Warrant Officers Class Two: Nayol Lorrimer, Vernon Cummings, Sherwin Whinfield, Seko Dickenson, Odell Skeete, Clayton Cosbert, Joel Paul, Sherwin James, Cranston Andrews, Maurees Skeete, Cordel Hector and Oliver Fowler.