New brigadiers: Chief of Staff (designate) of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Mark Phillips (second from left) was yesterday decorated with the insignia of Brigadier at a ceremony at the Office of the President. Also promoted to the rank of Brigadier was Colonel Julian B Lovell (right). The insignia were affixed by President Donald Ramotar (second from right) and Secretary of the Defence Board, Dr Roger Luncheon (left). Brigadier Phillips will succeed Rear Admiral Gary Best when he retires in September. (Arian Browne photo).