An officer of the Guyana Prison Service has emerged as the Best Graduating student in the Guyana Defence Force’s Standard Officer’s Course #54.

During a Commissioning parade on Wednesday, Prison Officer Brandon Thomas was upgraded to the rank of Cadet Officer-Prison and presented with the Sword of Honor as the Top Student. He also received the special prize for Best Shot during the military training.

Cadet Officer Thomas is originally from Berbice. He joined the Prison Service in 2015, but it was not until 2021 that he was granted approval to apply for the Standard Officer’s Course. He explained that he had sought approval six previous times to apply for the programme before permission was eventually granted.

Another Berbice resident, 2nd Lieutenant Trolston Embrack of the Guyana Defence Force, emerged as the 2nd Best Graduating student in the programme. Embrack also received the special award for Best Fitness. Other special prizes went to Police Officer, now Cadet Officer Ivor Trotz for Best Military knowledge, and 2nd Lieutenant Orin Roache of the Guyana Defence Force was awarded for Best Drill.

President Irfaan Ali decorated the new Officers with their new badges of rank during the Commissioning parade, which was attended by senior Government officials, senior and junior military officials, along with family and friends of the graduating officers.

In his address to the newly Commissioned Officers, President Ali reminded them of their oath to service and their oath to country. In thanking them for their decision to serve, the President said their service will be rewarded and awarded as Officers.

He referenced the importance for the new officers to remain disciplined and to always respect the rule of law while upholding democratic principles.

“Your success is about how you take this training forward, It is about your loyalty to this institution, and your country. It is about your commitment to this institution and your country, it is about your commitment to the rule of law and your commitment to the upholding of our democratic principles and value, it is about your commitment to the oath that you will take, and your commitment in putting your country first and your commitment in giving more of yourself, selflessly for your country and the people. And in return, your country will be grateful to you and your country will reward you, and your country will provide opportunities through which, you will be able to live a dignified life even as you move in other phases of life”, the President said, as he reminded them of the honour of discipline.

The President said the country’s new National Defence Strategy aims to cultivate a higher level of respect for the Guyana Defence Force.

A total of 27 Officers have been commissioned. The Standard Officer’s Course #54 brought together members of the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Prison Service. Two women completed the two-year military training programme.

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