Mark Phillips sworn in as New Chief of Staff

Sep 17, 2013 News

Brigadier Mark Phillips has been sworn in by President Donald Ramotar yesterday, as the new Chief of Staff for the Guyana Defence Force. The swearing occurred at a ceremony yesterday at the Office of the President.
Present at the ceremony yesterday was Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon, Rear Admiral Gary Best, Brigadier Bruce Lovell and a number of former Chiefs of Staff including Major General Norman McLean, Major General Joe Singh, and Major General Michael Atherley.

New Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips taking the Oath of Office.

There were other high ranking army officials including the Colonels. Among the civilians were the father, wife and daughter of Brigadier Phillips and Attorney General Anil Nandlall.
President Donald Ramotar, yesterday expressed delight to swear in the new Chief of Staff. He said that he is continuing to look forward to working with the new Army Chief to promote the best interest of all Guyanese. The president added that while over the years the role of the GDF has changed and even expanded, there was always a good relationship between the civil forces and the military.
Ramotar said that the role of the military forces has increased; the army plays a central role in Guyana.
Yesterday also, the new Chief of Staff made an appeal to parents to encourage the younger generation (children) to join the GDF and serve. Brigadier Phillips also noted that he had been briefed about the recently discussed initiative for Guyana and Suriname to jointly patrol the bordering Corentyne River.
Prior to his appointment as Chief of Staff, Phillips was promoted to the rank of Brigadier on August 26.