GDF welcomes 50+ ranks

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, June 26, 2019

President David Granger today decorated the Ensigns of the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Standard Officer Course 50 and Reserve Officer Course 16 with their badges of rank.

D’Urban Park came alive on Wednesday afternoon as ranks of the GDF marched and stepped in time to the beat of a military marching band, in a display of spectacular drills during the Commissioning Parade for the Standard and Reserve Officers.

The event commenced with the arrival of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo followed by President David Granger. The Head of State inspected the Guard of Honour before decorating the Ensigns with their badges of Rank.

Scenes from the Commissioning Parade.

Scenes from the Commissioning Parade.

Scenes from the Commissioning Parade.

President David Granger as he arrives at the Commissioning Parade.

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo at the Commissioning Parade.

Scenes from the Commissioning Parade.

Scenes from the Commissioning Parade.

In his address, the Head of State extended congratulations to the ranks.

“Your commissions, are not merely certificates to mark the successful completion of a training course… they constitute the lawful license for you to exercise authority as officers of the Guyana Defence Force.”

He reminded the ranks that Officership in the Defence Force entails the obligation to obey the Constitution, to comply with the provisions of the Defence Act of the Laws of Guyana and the obligation to practice the values and standards of the GDF. President Granger further challenged them to uphold the motto of the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School—”I serve Guyana”.

In 1969, the GDF began training its own officers and after 12 years, the Officer Cadet Division of Training Corps evolved into the first Officer Cadet School in the English-speaking Caribbean. The school, which was established on 22^nd September 1981, became known as the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School (CUPOCS), in honour of Colonel Ulric Pilgrim – the first Commander of the Force.

The Sword of Honour was awarded to Second Lieutenant Jehu West in the Standard Officer Course 50 with Second Lieutenant Robert Skeete receiving the same award for the Reserve Officer Course 16.

Among those who received their Instruments of Commission were four officers from the Belize Defence Force (BDF). Second Lieutenant Edwin Varela, Second Lieutenant Freddy Grijalva, Second Lieutenant Otto Garcia and Second Lieutenant Mark Choc all of whom praised Guyana for the training they received.

Also attending the event were ministers, government officials, Members of Parliament and special invitees.

Below is a complete list of the Ensigns.

Standard Officer Course 50

Reserve Officer Course 16

Images: Keno George and Marceano Narine