Moments after he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier, long-serving member of the Guyana Defence Force, Omar Khan, was today appointed Chief of Staff, taking over the helm of the GDF from outgoing Brigadier Godfrey Bess.
Bess heads into retirement from tomorrow.
At the Office of the President today, President Ali presented the new Brigadier with his instrument of appointment to perform the functions of Chief of Staff.
The ceremony also saw the President confirming Brigadier Godfrey Bess as the 11th Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force. He had been acting in the position since June, 2020.
The Defence Act empowers the President to appoint an Officer to command the Defence Force.
In a statement, the GDF said the appointment was made in keeping with the President exercising his powers as Minister of Defence vested within the Defence Act.
Outgoing Chief of Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess will officially hand over the command of the GDF to Brigadier Khan on Friday at the change of command parade.
Brigadier Khan is currently serving as the Head of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).
In 2020, Khan had opted for early retirement from the GDF and his request was approved. However, he was brought back into the fold of the GDF, once the Government changed in August of the same year.
On Wednesday, News Source questioned President Irfaan Ali about the situation that now exists with Brigadier Khan heading both the GDF and the National Intelligence and Security Agency at the same time.
The President said it is nothing that anyone should worry about. News Source understands that the President has already earmarked a Colonel to become the new head of the Intelligence Agency, but that Officer is currently out of the country and the appointment is expected to take place on his return.
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