Latest update March 4th, 2026 12:30 AM
GDF badges new senior officers, Reinforcing Leadership and Service to Nation”
(Kaieteur News) – The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) formally recognised the advancement of its newest senior officers in a ceremony at the Officers’ Mess, Base Camp Ayanganna, underscoring the Force’s commitment to disciplined leadership and professional excellence.
Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, alongside Colonel General Staff, Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts, MSM, and other senior officers, conducted the decoration following promotions approved by His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief, Dr Irfaan Ali, in accordance with the Defence Act.
One of the officers receiving his new badge.
According to a GDF press release, Substantive Major Esan Reid advanced to Substantive Lieutenant Colonel, while Substantive Majors Delrae McLean and Farhaan Uthman were promoted to Acting Lieutenant Colonel. Substantive Captains Ekundayo Jeffrey, Samuel Klien, Sherwin Collins, Rohan Marshall and Wavon Samuels attained the rank of Acting Major, formally entering the Senior Officer Corps.
In the Guyana National Reserve, Substantive Captains Fabian Stuart, Hubern Collins and Germaine Watson were likewise promoted to Acting Major. Within the Coast Guard, Substantive Lieutenant (CG) Eson Trim was elevated to Acting Lieutenant Commander.
In remarks at the badging ceremony, Brigadier Omar Khan underscored that advancement to senior rank carries significance at the national, institutional, and personal levels. He noted that promotion reflects an officer’s willingness to go beyond the call of duty in service to all Guyanese, while within the Force it signals a transition to higher leadership, greater accountability, and the responsibility to uphold and strengthen professional standards.
Acknowledging the role of family, he expressed appreciation for the continued trust and support provided by spouses and relatives, noting that sustained effectiveness in senior leadership is reinforced by stability and encouragement at home. He encouraged the officers to consolidate their journey, shape the next generation of leaders, and build legacies defined by integrity and disciplined service.
Speaking on behalf of the cohort, Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Esan Reid expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in them and affirmed their commitment to lead with integrity and uphold the values of the Guyana Defence Force.
Outside of this formal ceremony, Task Force Commander, Captain (Coast Guard) Vernon Burnette, also took the opportunity to formally badge Captain Shaquille Wilson in the field during active operations in Jamaica. Captain Wilson received his new rank while deployed, underscoring that institutional progression within the Force continues uninterrupted wherever duty calls.
The senior Officers’ badging ceremony signalled more than the assumption of higher rank; it reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to structured leadership development and disciplined service to the nation.
Also present at the ceremony were Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Colonel Sheldon Howell, MSM, Branch Heads, Senior Officers, and spouses and children of the newly promoted officers.
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