The officer corps of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has been bolstered by the addition of 30 newly-commissioned officers who were on Friday, presented with their Instruments of Commis-sion by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces President Irfaan Ali, a release from the Depart-ment of Public Information said. An Instrument of Commission is a unique, official certificate issued only by the President.
According to the release, the conferment of the State Commission and the Instrument of Commis-sion constitutes a solemn rite of passage, signifying the cadets’ attainment of the rank and authority of commissioned officers in the GDF.
The second lieutenants and warrant officers took the oath of office before President Ali, Chief of Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, and other senior officers, during a simple ceremony at the Baridi Benab, State House.
In his speech to the officers, the President charged them to embody the values of integrity and duty, noting that the instruments of commission presented to the officers was a recognition of their readiness and competence to lead, the release said. Acknowledg-ing the rigorous training and assessment that preceded this accomplishment, he urged the officers to perform their duties and uphold their responsibilities with pride and distinction.
“I urge you not to betray or disappoint those who have reposed their confidence and trust in you. Your commission and warrants carry great expectations. It requires loyalty, courage, and exemplary conduct,” he was quoted as saying to the commissioned officers.
He further encouraged them to maintain a steadfast commitment to the Constitution, the GDF, and the country, ensuring that the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity always remained the pinnacle of their sacrifices, the release said.
The officers were also encouraged to demonstrate courage and bravery in the face of threats, whether from external aggression or internal disorder, and inspire their subordinates with their strength of example.
“Your training must be ongoing throughout your careers to ensure that you’re always prepared for any challenge. The Guyana Defence Force is committed to supporting your development as part of a modernising military ready to defend, deter threats, and respond to national emergencies,” the release quoted the President as saying.
Moreover, President Ali pointed to the unique
challenges posed in a rapidly changing world. He noted that these changes require a deep understanding of strategy, technological proficiency, cyber security and problem-solving capa-city within the military. These threats, he said, demand greater vigilance and intelligence, the release said. Ali also advised the officers to be ready to adapt to change.
“Our country is changing, and you must change with it. We are building not just a more agile and technologically serving military, but a modern nation. Your ability to embrace these changes will be essential to ensuring the security and sovereignty of our nation,” the release quoted him as saying.
