Latest update September 15th, 2026 10:20 AM
Commodore Best officially promoted to Rear Admiral
– APNU calls for Brumell to be confirmed as Top Cop
By Abena Rockcliffe
History was created yesterday afternoon when President Donald Ramotar and Secretary to the Defence Board, Dr. Roger Luncheon pinned the insignia of the rank of Rear Admiral on Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Gary Best.
The Rank of Rear Admiral was never bestowed on anyone before in Guyana. However, that rank is equivalent to that of a Major General; a rank at which three other Army heads—Joseph Singh, Norman McLean and Michael Atherley—retired.
Best has been serving in the Force for the past 33 years and has been the Chief of Staff for six years.
This rare promotion to Rear Admiral comes a little less than a month
From left: Dr. Roger Luncheon, Mrs. Delicia Best, Rear Admiral Gary Best and President Ramotar
before Best’s retirement. Best will retire on September 17.
President Donald Ramotar expressed gratitude to Best for the service he has provided over the years.
An obviously proud Best, in response to the promotion, said it is testimony to the confidence the Government has placed in him.
Meanwhile, in light of the fact that Best only has less than a month to operate in his new capacity, APNU has chosen to renew its call for acting Commissioner of Police, Leroy Brumell to be confirmed to the position he has been acting in for the past year.
Speaking to Kaieteur News yesterday, Joseph Harmon said that it has become a pattern by the government to promote ranks close to their retirement. He said that APNU doesn’t believe it is a good move to promote officers when they are making their way out of the profession as they won’t be able to utilize the rank.
In Harmon’s view, promotion is a sign that says “we are investing in you
Secretary of the Defence Board Dr. Roger Luncheon watches as President Donald Ramotar pins the insignia on the newly appointed Rear Admiral.
to say we think you are capable to operate at a higher rank”.
He said that if a government has the confidence in a rank he or she should be promoted while they can serve in that rank.
Harmon said that in light of the aforementioned, APNU is calling on the government to confirm Brumell as Top Cop.
Share this:
Discover more from Kaieteur News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.