THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) yesterday held a commissioning service for 15 ensigns of the Standard Officers’ Course # 44 at the Auditorium at Base Camp Ayanganna.
Reverend Marlon Hestick, who delivered the sermon, charged the ensigns to perform to the best of their ability, and be role models. Reverend Hestick is pastor of the Vreed-en-Hoop Wesleyan Church, West Coast Demerara. During his sermon, he urged the ensigns to perform, since there is a season to realise their true potential.
He added that they all should make progress this time, because there is no need to delay advancement in order for them to be prosperous in their academic achievements. He also insisted that ranks cultivate values and standards.
Reverend Hestick also called on the ensigns to portray an attitude of discipline and to become role models, since they have much potential to so do.
The service got underway with the arrival of the GDF Chief of Staff, Commodore Gary Best, and members of the Disciplined Services. This was followed by the Colour Party marches – forward in slow time, and the presenting of their Colours to the Force’s Chaplain, who placed it on the altar.
The Officers’ Stars were borne into the auditorium and handed to the Force Chaplain, who placed them also on the altar.
The service was punctuated with songs, hymns, prayers and a sermon, and ended with a recessional – the Colour Party receiving the Colours from the Force’s Chaplain and marching out in slow time. The Officers’ Stars were then borne out of the auditorium, after which there was the benediction.