Pres Granger presents Brig. Godfrey Bess with Instruments of Commission
—Bess appointed acting Chief of Staff of the GDF
—to build on the Force’s achievements over the past 5 years
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday July 1, 2020
Brigadier Godfrey Bess today received his instruments of commission from the Commander in Chief, His Excellency President David Granger during a simple ceremony at Baridi Benab State House.
President David Granger pining Brigadier Godfrey Bess’ insignia to his shoulder lapels
The appointment was made in keeping with the Head of State’s powers, as the Minister of Defense, vested within the Defence Act.
President David Granger addressing attendees, under the Baridi Benab State House, during the appointment of GDF Chief of Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess
“Today’s ceremony has a two-fold purpose. First, it is to present the Instrument appointing a senior officer to perform the functions of the office of Chief of Staff and, second, to promote Colonel Godfrey Bess to the rank of Brigadier to perform those functions,” President Granger stated.
In his remarks, he noted that the Chief-of-Staff must communicate, coordinate and collaborate with his subordinates whilst leading and managing efficiently,
“Leadership, unlike command, cannot be mandated by law. It is an essential element in military command and involves motivating the force’s manpower to achieve success in its operations and missions.
The Chief of Staff, in this regard, is expected to possess the qualities of success, intelligence and prudence, and to set the values and standards expected of the force and its members.”
A former Chief of Staff himself, the President reminded that Brigadier Bess will be now be tasked with leading the force forward as it protects the nation’s patrimony, territory whilst promoting national defence and security.
According to the Head of State, it is anticipated that the GDF’s top officer will continue the progress initiated by the Guyana Defence Board and the Coalition Government, “in reorganising and re-equipping the Force, improving its responsiveness throughout all ten administrative regions, and intensifying defence cooperation and defence diplomacy with friendly countries.”
Management of the Defence Force, this year, President Granger noted will be challenging.
“The Chief of Staff is assuming command of the Force as Guyana embarks on a Decade of Development which will include investments aimed at the continuous retooling and strengthening of the Defence Force. Emphasis will be placed on strengthening the technical corps – Air, Engineer, Intelligence, Signals and Coast Guard – and on expanding the Militia and intensifying field training in long-range jungle operations.”
The new acting Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Bess began his military career in 1990 serving in Command, Administrative, Staff and Training appointments. He has been serving as Quarter Master General since January 1, 2018.
Colonel Bess is the holder of a Bachelor of Social Science Degree in Business Management and Level Two Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
President Granger thanked substantive Chief of Staff, Brigadier Patrick West, who has proceeded on pre-retirement leave.
“He assumed the leadership of the Force during a period of transformation. The Force, during his tenure, has been reorganised and reequipped to become a more professional organisation. The Defence Board wishes Brigadier West a happy retirement.”
President David Granger congratulating GDF Chief of Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess, following the COIVD health guideline
Brigadier Patrick West will proceed on accumulated leave with effect from Wednesday, July 1. Brigadier West’s leave concludes in March 2021, at which point Bess would be appointed substantively as Chief-of-Staff.
The Head of State also recently formally appointed Colonel Trevor Bowman, Inspector General; Colonel Sherwin Anderson, Quartermaster General; and Colonel Raul Jerrick, Adjutant General with effect from 1st July 2020.