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Integrity and exemplary character give legitimacy to authority, command
– Pastor tells ensigns
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) held an inspiring commissioning service
The ensigns at yesterday’s commissioning service.
yesterday, at the auditorium of Base Camp Ayanganna, for 15 ensigns who will be promoted to the rank of second lieutenant at 16:00hrs today. Members of the GDF hierarchy, along with other top officials and close relatives and friends of the ensigns, all gathered for the special occasion.
A sacred atmosphere was certainly created by the melodious hymns of the Joint Services choir, several prayers and a powerful sermon delivered by Pastor Marlon Hestick, who firmly asserted that “becoming a soldier is not accidental, for the steps of a righteous man are guided by God”.
Hestick told those who assembled that it is important to celebrate the brave young men and women who emerge from some of the most challenging tests and are later tasked with giving direction and ensuring that the conditions remain stable for the destiny of the country to be realized.
He heartily congratulated those who have made it their top priority to become members
A section of the audience at Base Camp Ayanganna.
of the Defence Force. He said that it should not be taken for granted that those who were a part of the Standard Officers’ Course #47 could have dropped out in search of an easier route.
The pastor lauded those who endured the trials and stayed on course.
He told the ensigns that they should consider the prayer ceremony as a “rite of passage”. He said that it is an event that celebrates the elevation to a higher status.
The pastor said that the nation is not only asking of the ensigns to take office and new responsibilities, but it is also anticipated that in the years to come, they will provide astute leadership, quality service and very good conduct. He noted that the current social structure of Guyana reflects the absence of discipline and respect for authority, and he urged the ensigns to hold steadfast to the values of order and humility.
Hestick affirmed that as the ensigns move into a place of command, they must understand that “the army is not for boys and girls, but men and women”.
“Endure hardship, expect it, conquer it, accustom yourself to it, bear it patiently, for this is not a jumbie umbrella arrangement …and with God’s help you will pull through,” the pastor added.
Most importantly, he urged the ensigns not to compromise their integrity and to be exemplary in character, for it gives legitimacy to authority and command. “Your character will be tested most. But fine character is the result of hard work on yourself,” the Pastor asserted.
Hestick then referred to a scripture in the Bible, Matthew Chapter Five Verse 48 which says, ‘So be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
The Pastor highlighted this biblical phrase to underscore his point of how important character is, and the kinds of traits that are expected to be exhibited.
Hestick then made the point that the ensigns need to overcome personal weaknesses as he added, “Many overcome enemies beyond the borders, but are never able to conquer their own weakness. The Bible says that a man who does not control his spirit is like a city without borders. It’s accessible by almost anything”.
He emphasized that the recruits need to have vision and understand that their priority must be what is good for their nation. He said that if there is no sense of destiny or future then “your people have no hope.”
Hestick also called on the ensigns to be extraordinary in their abilities and always try to better their best. He told them that every task they execute, it must be done in such a way that their performance inspires others to uphold the high standards of the Force.
He asserted that when a society wants to elevate, it looks for models to be used as a standard or guide. On this premise, the reverend called on the ensigns to be positive role models for the Guyanese society and to become masters at their job.
GDF Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips, who spoke with Kaieteur News at the conclusion of the ceremony, said that President Donald Ramotar is expected to be at the Commissioning Parade today where the ensigns will receive their promotion and get the opportunity to fraternize with their friends, families and other army officials.
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