President Donald Ramotar said he expects newly decorated army ensigns to use their skills to support other law officers and civil society to bolster Guyana’s security.
He was speaking at the Commissioning Parade held at Camp Ayanganna on Wednesday for graduates from the Standard Officers’ Course # 45.
A Government Information Agency (GINA) report said Ramotar decorated 10 Ensigns including a woman, with their badges of rank and highlighted the importance of military service.
Twenty-year-old Stacy Cadogan and the other nine ensigns were elevated to Second Lieutenant after completing the Standard Officers’ Course #45 at the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Cadet School located at Camp Stephenson, Timehri. Ensign Godwin Cameron emerged the best graduating student, receiving the Sword of Honour. Four of the Ensigns are currently on overseas training with three at separate academies in the USA and one at the Air Force Academy in China, GINA said.
In his feature address to the officers, held in the main auditorium at Camp Ayanganna due to inclement weather, Ramotar said he expected that the training has instilled leadership qualities in the officers. He commended them for a job well done and the bold step that they have taken to dedicate their energies to military service to the country, describing it as one of the highest services one can give to his or her country.
“It speaks of character, speaks of patriotism and it demonstrates a willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. I am happy too that you have chosen the army since it is one of the most important institutions in our country,” the president said.
He also noted that the nation expects that the officers of the Guyana Defence Force will become good role models in the society. “This is particularly important because today young people are faced with many challenges. Some unscrupulous individuals keep lurking to entrap youths into a life of drugs and crime and other anti social activities,” he said.
Ramotar also reminded the officers of their principled task to safeguard the territorial integrity of the country and its borders, pointing out that they should understand the demands of national security today. He also said that as Guyana attracts investment and perpetuates growth, security is vital and he charged the army to support other law officers and civilians in priority security areas like narco-trafficking. Ramotar reiterated that the army must always maintain the public’s trust and be cognisant that criminal masterminds are now using science and technology to advance their enterprises.
The Standard Officers’ Course # 45 started in March 2012 with 38 officer cadets undergoing military training that encompassed open country warfare at the Colonel John Clark Military School in Tacama and jungle training at the Colonel Robert Mitchell Jungle and Amphibious Training School. The final leg of the training was conducted in Region Nine, where the Ensigns underwent mountain climbing in the Takutu Mountain range and a trek to the Kaieteur Falls.
