“Avoid the temptation of being compromised by the lure of fast money and quick riches. Yielding to such temptation corrupt morals and is an affront to our proud heritage.” These were the sentiments of Commander-in-Chief, President Donald Ramotar during his address to the graduates of the Guyana Defence Force Standard Officers’ Course Number 44 held at the Drill Square, Camp Ayanganna on Wednesday, February 15.
The 15 graduates at the commissioning parade at Drill Square, Camp Ayanganna
The president charged the officers that they must at all times work hard and be honest; a trademark that will bear fruit. The commander-in-chief charged the 15 graduates to defend Guyana and its territorial integrity which will reduce external threats and at the same time forge external ties.
He said they must not only protect the borders, but also the lucrative maritime resources from piracy. On that note, he congratulated the ensigns for choosing a career in the disciplinary forces of Guyana.
Ramotar also informed the graduates that as they defend the country, they have the responsibility of representing Guyana with dignity and they should “not let us down”. He related that the Standard Officers’ Course has produced officers who are expected to take up various leadership positions in the disciplined forces. He said that the training also paves the way for them to aspire to greater things.
Ramotar noted that their completion of the course has shown them to have qualities of ambition, drive, determination, ability and discipline; and with these they will achieve success. He also encouraged the graduates to show their appreciation to the people who have supported them during their 12-month training.
Army Chief-of-Staff, Commodore Gary Best, said that the commissioning parade marks the beginning of a new phase of the officers’ lives. ” In this regard, it signals the ceremonial change from civilian status to military status and this simply means that your lives are now ordered and programmed for the purpose of defence duties,” Best noted.
He told the officers that since they are now commissioned officers they would have to lead men and women for a number of years, and as such, they must therefore understand the environment in which they operate. “You must understand economics, politics, management, government, finance, international relations, and of course, you must master your military skills as officers,” Commodore Best added.
The 15 officers were drawn from the army, police force and prison service.
The course was developed to provide training not only for the new military officers, but also for new officers in other services. The syllabus of the course included an intensive programme of military skills and tactics, rigorous physical fitness, team activities designed to promote stamina and group spirit, leadership and command methods and management techniques.
It also covered military law and national policy. Taking special honours at the commissioning parade were Anthony Lyttle, 19, who was awarded the best student prize; Jermaine Grant, 24, was the runner up and also won the Best Drill prize; Samuel Klein, 25, copped the Best Shot prize and Preston Paul, 20, was awarded with the Best Military Knowledge prize. The other graduates are Shurlan Klass, 22; Sherwin Collins, 23; Trevon Poole 22; Rondel Douglas, 21; Dameon Bynoe, 23; Seon Drakes, 26; Orandi Francois, 19; Rohan Marshall, 20; Rudolph Singh. 21; Twain Hermerding, 20; and Kelvin Huston, 23. It was also announced that Lyttle will receive the Brazilian and Venezuelan Armed Forces awards.
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