The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) awarded four young women awards valued at least $100,000 at its 2012/2013 Chief-of-Staff Awards.
Maya Phillips, daughter of army Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips; Roopa Devi Seenarine, daughter of the late Lieutenant Commander (Coast Guard) Latchman Seenarine; Belinda Felicia Bess, daughter of Lieutenant Colonel Godfrey Bess; and Crystal Crawford, daughter of GDF civilian employee Michelle Crawford,
received the awards at a ceremony held on Tuesday, a press release from the army said.
Each recipient received $100,000 for gaining at least five grade ones with an additional $25,000 awarded for each additional grade one earned. Seenarine gained 10 grade ones. Phillips and Bess scored seven grade ones each, while Crawford earned five.
In his congratulatory message to the young women, Chief-of-Staff Phillips urged them to, “press on to higher heights” as they have now started the second phase of their academic journey.”
“We are happy to present you with these awards and, although the force does not offer a reward at the tertiary level, we wish you to press forward. We believe that it is fitting that the children of our servicemen and women benefit from their parents service to the force and the nation,” he said.
“We look forward to your continued excellence and wish you well in your chosen fields of study. You are to become professionals and service Guyana. Continue achieving and do your best; the sky is the limit,” he added.
According to the statement, Seenarine, who aspires to a career in either business or accountancy thanked the Chief-of-Staff and the GDF for acknowledging her and the other awardees’ achievements. She hopes to soon gain employment while she pursues private management and accounting studies.
Phillips and Crawford are already pursuing the Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology and the Associate’s Degree in Physics, respectively, at the University of Guyana. Both are aspiring doctors. Meanwhile, Bess, who is an aspiring auditor, is pursuing the Foundation in Accountancy programme at the Accountancy Train-ing Centre.
The Chief-of-Staff Awards are presented annually to the children of serving officers, ranks and civilian employees of the GDF. To be eligible, the child must have gained a minimum of five grade ones at CSEC.
