New GDF officers urged to play role in future development

President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday urged 51 newly-commissioned officers to be aware of the role they can play in Guyana’s future. He stated that, as members of the disciplined forces, they have a significant contribution to make.

The ensigns were a part of the Standard Officers’ Course # 43 and the Reserve Officers Course # 15, which commenced last year. During his feature address, the president congratulated the ensigns and explained that, over the years, Guyana has made several strides as regards development, which therefore leaves much to be protected. These developments, according to Jagdeo, include a modernised constitution, a democratic government, and an economy that remained stable during the global economic and financial crisis.

Even as he congratulated the newly-commissioned ensigns, however, the president charged that they are to keep their attention on Guyana’s future and the task to continue on the developmental path that it has embarked on. “… a vision of the Guyana to come, one that is modern and prosperous, and presents opportunities and fulfillment to every Guyanese. It is a vision of Guyana as a global leader in sustainable development,” he said. He added that the vision includes the optimising of its strategic geographical location, since it can serve as a bridge between the Caribbean and South America.

“All these things are relevant to the institutions to which you are commissioned and you must have more than just a close interest in the transformation that is underway,” the president encouraged the ensigns. He stated that, as young people, the future of Guyana lies in their hands. It is therefore imperative that they see themselves as part of this vision – not just as beneficiaries but as young Guyanese with a useful contribution to make and an important role to play in ensuring that this vision is realized.

Moreover, Jagdeo said, the disciplined forces will be called upon to adapt to the emerging challenges, opportunities and evolving demands of the changing circumstances. “As you embark on your new military careers, I am sure you are aware that, as an institution, the army and other disciplined services provide the opportunities for training and personal development that are incomparable. Also, the environment instills discipline and personal values in a manner second to none,” Jagdeo said. He closed by encouraging the newly-commissioned officers to consider themselves fortunate to have access to the opportunities, and further urged them to take full advantage of these opportunities as they take place in the Guyana of tomorrow.

Second Lieutenant Jamal Scott graduated as the Under Officer and also received the Venezuelan Armed Forces’ and Brazilian Armed Forces’ awards, as well as the Sword of Honour. Scott described SOC#43 as a “True test of mental and physical endurance”, stating that the experience was something he never imagined possible. However, he stated, achieving the top position came naturally. Meanwhile, Second Lieutenant Jamaine Lovell received the award for Runner-up Best Student as well as the award for Military Knowledge. Among the 51 ensigns were 29 officers attached to the Guyana Defence Force, 14 from the Guyana Police Force, four from the Guyana Fire Service, three from the Guyana Prison Service and one from the Belize Defence Force. The GDF commenced the training of its own officer cadets in 1969. 12 years later, the force opened the first officer cadet school in the English-speaking Caribbean, which became known as the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School in honour of the force’s first commander.