15 Ensigns commissioned

Feb 16, 2012 News

-‘Don’t let us down’ – President Ramotar

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Donald Ramotar inspects the guard of honour.

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Donald Ramotar, yesterday called on the newly commissioned officers drawn from the Discipline Services to avoid being compromised because the benefits of hard work and honesty are priceless.
President Ramotar told the officers that once they continue along the path of honest and diligent work the reward of a clear conscience – a peaceful night’s rest is priceless.
The Head of State was addressing the 15 officers who recently completed the Standard Officers’ Course. In his charge to the Officers, President Ramotar said that he is extremely proud of the group and feels a great sense of pride as was shown by the large gathering of relatives, friends and well wishers of the officers.
“I am sure that the pride I feel is shared by this large supportive gathering. This exercise is worth the attention that has drawn to it, and I thank all those who have worked to bring off this ceremony.” The head of state added that the commissioning exercise is the fulfillment of their ambitions to embark in careers as officers in the disciplined services.
“It also marks the culmination of very demanding 12-month training programme that provided a stern test of the mind and bodies of the graduates.” Soon the officers will take up leadership positions with the disciplined service, President Ramotar lamented.
“I wish you unending success in the future. You have distinguished yourself in this course and you all deserve the accolade for your perseverance and achievement as this now paves the way for you to aspire to greater things.”
The officers were reminded that the conduct of their duties, whether good or bad, reflects the reputation of the force and in this regard, they were encouraged to uphold their integrity and reap the rewards that it brings.
“The building of integrity and professionalism will be the key elements of your Government’s policy towards the disciplined services. We must continue to professionalize and modernize our military, strengthen the institution of our disciplined services to better serve our people,” President Ramotar said.
The men and women of the disciplined services are among those whom President Ramotar regard with high acclaim and, who he said take their sworn loyalty to the constitution of Guyana seriously.
Guyana’s history of friendly and cordial relations with its neighbours in South America, has dispelled any fear of border conflicts but, with piracy and illegal trespassers posing challenges, President Ramotar called on the army to have a hand in the protection of maritime zones.
“We have therefore to safeguard not just our land borders, but also our potentially lucrative maritime resources,” President Ramotar said.
The completion of the course marks the beginning of the soldiers’ ambitions to embark on careers as officers, according to President Ramotar, who regards employment in the disciplined forces as an honourable career.
A total of 44 courses have been conducted at the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officers Cadet School, commissioning in excess of 552 of the disciplined services including those from sister CARICOM countries.
The role of the CUPOCS is to train young potential leaders of the various disciplined services locally and from sister CARICOM countries.