Joint Services working to return to glory days

Oct 01, 2009 News

The “rot” in the Joint Services began before the killing of Dweive Ramdass, but the erosion of discipline must be arrested by commanders demonstrating true leadership qualities, said Guyana Defence Force Colonel Bruce Lovell, recently.

Lovell is one four senior officers who exhorted their juniors to commit to a higher degree of professionalism, and embrace the integrity and the ethos of their organisations to restore the meaning of selfless and efficient service to the Forces’ hallmark.

He told them that the Joint Services has many commanders, but few leaders and reminded them that officers are commissioned to hold command appointments and they must remember that leadership is central to their command.

“In as much as the badge of rank is an outward symbol of command, so too must your professionalism become visible. As leaders you have to influence your subordinates by providing purpose, motivation and direction to them,” he added.

Assembled at the GDF Officers Mess at Camp Ayanganna for a command briefing on Thursday, September 10 they got this advice from Colonel Bruce Lovell of the GDF, Assistant Commissioner Khrisna Lekhraj of the GPF, Senior Superintendent of Prisons, Colin Howard, and Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Winston McGregor.

Colonel Lovell noted that the erosion of discipline has resulted in unethical acts uncharacteristic of the Joint Services, and has contributed to the tarnishing of the image of the Forces.

With the expectation of a higher level of service by officers they were advised that poor performances and infractions committed by their subordinates must not be tolerated and were encouraged to professionally and humanely address even the smallest infractions. He told them that ignoring the mediocrity of subordinates is to be derelict in their duties.

“Some have adopted the untenable position that with a new generation and societal changes your standards must be adjusted to suit. This is the belief of those who seek any excuse for laziness and ineptitude.”

He advised them that standards should not be compromised because when that occurs everyone losses but he however noted that as leaders they “must show compassion while remaining dispassionate”.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Khrisna Lekhraj also reiterated that discipline was the hallmark of good performance and conduct. He told the junior officers that while understanding the realities they must recognise the need for continuous learning.

“As young leaders you must know your organisation and its objectives; the functions of your office, and, in particular, your Standing Orders.”

He pointed out that many are deviating from the Oaths they took which “cannot continue”. The Deputy Commissioner encouraged all to do some introspection and posited that they should “Focus on strengthening areas of weakness.

“Revisit your values and ask yourselves whether characteristics such as respect, integrity, impartiality, reliability and accountability are evident to your subordinates, peers and superiors”.

Further he said the JOS roles and functions require interaction with the public and that they will judge them on the merits of what it demonstrates.

“If we are sincere in adopting positive behaviours, then we reflect a positive image…It is imperative that as middle managers, you know your mission, vision and values as well as the rules and regulations governing your actions among your selves and with the public,” he added.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Winston McGregor, and Senior Superintendent of Prisons, Colin Howard, reminded the Junior Officers that because their actions were consequential, they needed to lead by example.

They also cautioned against allowing negative influences and dishonesty to get in the way of leadership and the dispensation of justice.

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Joint Services working to return to glory days

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