Twenty-seven new officers of the Guyana Defence Force Standard Officers Course and 40 Reserve Officers of the Reserve Officers Course were commissioned this afternoon having successfully completed their courses and now attaining the rank of 2nd Lieutenants in the case of GDF members and Cadet Officers in the case of the other services.
Second Lieutenant Delano Roberts from the Pomeroon region was adjudged the best graduating student of the Standard Officers Course while Second Lieutenant Marvin Richmond of Linden was adjudged the best graduating student for the Reserve Officers Course.
For the Special Prizes, 2nd Lieutenant Whiddon Antigua received the prize for best military knowledge for the Standard Officers Course while the top student for the Reserve Officers Course also received the prize for Best Military Knowledge for that course.
Other prizes were handed out for best drill student, best shot and best fitness.
President Irfaan Ali in delivering the charge to the newly Commissioned Officers encourage them to be grateful to their family and friends who made sacrifices for them during the past two years on the courses.
The President said every member of the Guyana Defence Force has a role to play in the country’s development. He told the newly Commissioned officers to learn from the mistakes of those members of the GDF who have found themselves flouting the laws and to pay attention and follow those who have excelled in their military lives.
“I urge you to learn from the mistakes and I urge you to be the best of examples and I urge you to be the best of leaders and exhibit the leadership and qualities that have been instilled in you. And be steadfast and strong in standing up for the principles that you have learned. And to withstand any storm that may come your way in defence of what is right and in defense of honour, in defense of dignity and in defense of this beautiful land we call home”, the President urged.
The President told the new Officers that there are many officers who have performed outstandingly over the years and have left their print across the country.
“Today, you are joining an organization with a different focus, an organization whose vision is strategically aligned to the national development priorities, and whose vision is integrated in our national planning to ensure sustainable development”, Mr. Ali said.
It was also noted that more resources will continue to be channeled to the Guyana Defence Force to assist in its work.
The Standard Officers Course is now conducted over two years and has a wider programme to improve the academic qualification and military training of those persons who complete the programmes.
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