Latest update January 17th, 2025 6:30 AM
Female, three foreigners among newly commissioned GDF officers
One female and three foreign-born ensigns were among the 18 newly commissioned Officers who successfully completed the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) 47th Standard Officers Course to attain the rank of Second
Newly Commissioned Officers during yesterday’s parade.
Lieutenant.
The ranks, which went through months of rigorous training in jungle survival and warfare, were honoured by Commander in Chief, President Donald Ramotar, Chief of Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips, other army officers, invited guests, friends and family members of the new officers.
Second Lt. Lewins Langellier was awarded Best Student, while his colleague Noel August was adjudged Runner up. The lone female, Winette Smart was rewarded for Best Drill and Military Knowledge. Second Lt. Ancel Tench from Belize was awarded as the Best Shot and Best Fitness student. His countryman Rafael Gordon as well as Persival Thomas of St. Kitts and Nevis were also among the newly commissioned officers.
Other commissioned officers are Keon Stoby, Anand Persaud, Worren Mars, Robin Rogers, Jashawn Norville, Kevin Sultan, Kaya Dover, Neil McDonald, Shaquone Prince, Shande Ramphal, Gevon McAlmont and Patrick Farley-Grant.
The first phase of training commenced at Camp Stephenson Timehri at the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Cadet Officer School and then to Tacoma at the Colonel John Clarke Military school where they were introduced to open country warfare. They then moved on to other interior locations where they engaged in jungle and other forms of survival training.
Lone female, Second Lieutenant Winette Smartt was awarded best drill and military knowledge
The best graduating student told the newspaper that his biggest challenge was losing sleep. He said that as a civilian, he was used to waking up at all odd hours, but during the course he had very little sleep.
He said at no point did he want to give up because he was briefed about the rigorous training, plus he had researched what he might be encountering. Langellier noted also that he really wanted to complete the course and had no reason to feel like giving up. “I already had my mind made up so even on my hardest day I did not feel like giving up.”
Langellier said he is aspiring to meet the level of Chief of Staff, but for now he is set on serving and doing the best he can for his country.
Smartt, the lone female expressed satisfaction in surviving the Officers’ Course, but admitted how challenging it was. She said knowing what would be achieved when it was all over was enough to keep her going. Smartt intends to instill in those that will be under her command her values, while observing what is expected of her by the Force.
In President Ramotar’s address, he stated that the Officers’ commissioning is evidence that they have the leadership skills- both physical and mental- and will to be placed in positions of responsibility and accountability.
He said that it is expected that the ranks will serve with distinction, honour and pride as they are obligated to live up to the expectations of the defence sector and citizens. They are also expected at all times to conduct themselves on or off duty in a manner befitting of one entrusted with lives.
They are required to ensure the country’s territorial integrity and maintain an environment of peace and stability which is essential for the country to maintain its sustainable growth and development.
Three attributes, the President stressed on were dignity, professionalism and integrity. He urged the new ranks to not allow temptation to take away their dignity because once that happens; they will never be able to regain it.
“In any society that is developing, professionalism is very important, especially for a country to advance in the right direction. Integrity is also very important in a world where material things seems in to be in demand and is tempting for people.”
The President also reiterated that the GDF should remain a professional and non-partisan entity in the period leading up to general elections scheduled for May 11. He said that GDF as an organization must inspire confidence and strength in citizens.
He noted that while as individuals the members of the Force has the constitutional entitlement to exercise individual freedom of choice in casting their ballots, as an organization they have a constitutional responsibility to respect the legitimate outcome of the elections.
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