Eleven Officer Cadets of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) completed the Standard Officers’ Course No. 45 to become Ensigns out of almost 20 persons who enlisted for the training and they were yesterday urged to uphold the honour entrusted upon them and to put their country first.
Chief of Staff of the GDF, Commodore Gary Best, presented the new Ensigns with their Badges of Rank and he outlined their duties to them and expressed the expectation that some would achieve the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in a matter of months, the Government Information Agency said.
Commodore Best explained that their duties included their value to society and to the GDF, and forewarned them as well as to the challenges that they would face, and the respect they would have to both give and earn.
“Duty therefore calls upon you, as future leaders to rise and elevate performances that merit recognition…You are now new National Defence Security Practitioners, adding value to the tremendous work we in the Defence Force provide this nation,” he said.
“You will be seen as upholders of high values …called upon to defend our territorial integrity, defend our maritime and territorial borders, and you would be expected to show allegiance to your home community, and be a role model to the youth in your neighbourhood. Wherever you go, never forget, whether in or out of the green uniform, our nation demands the highest standard of you…it is not just about graduating with various stars, it is about national service to your country,” Commodore Best said.
He also told the ensigns that they would be expected to put their nation and country first, and be expected to show compassion and interest in their careers.
“We expect you to lead by example, to be an upholder and respecter of the rights of the servicemen.”
“It is expected that the men of the GDF conform to the constitutional and other derivative laws and keep in step with Government’s policies; and demonstrate our ability to recognise and measure the national temperature on key issues, such as discrimination as a guide to our actions. It therefore falls upon your shoulders to uphold these rights and provide equal opportunity to all,” he said.
The Chief of Staff urged the new officers to let duty, integrity, service and fairness be their watchwords.
The eleven new Ensigns are Marvin Dey, Godwin Cameron, Akeem Kirton, Wavon Samuels, Stacey Cadogan, Godfrey Isaacs, Seon Abrams, Eweart Andrews, Brian Christopher, Steffon Cameron and Teffurn James.
