By Svetlana Marshall
“It is critical that a constant and sharp eye be placed on aviation and maritime development to provide faster access to forest and remote area protection, and hydrocarbon security,” Rear Admiral Gary Best said as he delivered his last speech as chief-of-staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Tuesday amid much pomp and ceremony at Camp Ayanganna.
Best, who is the seventh chief-of-staff of Guyana’s army but the first to be elevated to the rank of Rear Admiral, said the country’s successful development depends significantly on creating and preserving a safe and secure environment, hence aviation and maritime development is critical.
However, he opined that true development within the force will not be achieved without a clear interlinking of all key sectors and resources.
“It, therefore, appears to me, Your Excellency, that a re-rationalisation, a re-prioritisation, and a re-allocation of key resources to the defence and security sectors is now necessary for a safe and secure environment,” the army chief told President Donald Ramotar.
Defence, security policy
Best further stated that the defence and security sector is pivotal to nation building, noting that he refuses to support any notion which suggests that Guyana is unable to achieve its maximum potential or would be crippled due to political differences.
The outgoing chief-of-staff said his 33 years of service to the army was a remarkable venture. “It is a sweet moment for me and my family. It is a sweet moment for me for the Lord Jesus Christ has seen me through to the end with peace and tranquility. It is a sweet moment for me that I feel a sense of spiritual joy and accomplishment. It is a sweet moment for me that I have given 33 years of service to the people of this great country,” he said, as he bid his colleagues farewell.
But this is not the end of the great venture, he said, since he has made himself available to serve in other capacities, as he pursues his doctorate degree in international relations at the University of the West Indies.
His area of research focuses on climate change financing. “I am ready to serve my country in new capacities as the years progress. Thank you Guyana, thank you the Guyana Defence Force, thank you officers, thank you ranks, thank you civilians…,” Best said.
To his successor Brigadier Mark Phillips, Best offered congratulations, reminding him that he should allow his moral compass to point to fairness, justice, and compassion as he takes the GDF to higher heights. “Your greatest test is not where you stand in good moments but where you stand in times of challenge and controversy. You will have to be strong and hold your grounds, you will have many testing moments; however, be inspired by your desire to lead, and develop further the Guyana Defence Force,” he stated.
Best took command of the GDF on September 28, 2007. His career began when he was adjudged the best graduating student of the Standard Military Officers Course Number Nine at the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School in 1981. He subsequently completed his initial maritime training in the Brazilian merchant marines during the period 1981 to 1985.
As Commander Coast Guard during the period June 1994 to September 1999, he was responsible for the establishment of Coast Guard Law Enforcement Districts throughout Guyana, as well as the development of an electronic database Maritime Information System.
The outgoing chief-of-staff is a proud holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from the University of Guyana and a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago.
Back in 2005, Best was accepted to practice at the Guyana Bar. He subsequently earned his Master of Science Degree in International Relations from the University of the West Indies.
