President Ali announces GDF to become more community-oriented

–GDF officers receives Military Service Medal and promotion

His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, today said that the Guyana Defence Force will soon become more community-oriented. 

“Guyanese must not only see these distinguished men and women in uniform as just members of the armed forces, but they must also see you as a key and integral part of their development, of their community development and our national development,” President Ali stated at the ceremony for five recently promoted Officers of the GDF.

The Head of State said the Defence Board has begun discussions on a strategic way forward on how the military will become integrated into the community life of Guyana.

His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (centre) accompanied by Chief of Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess (right) and the newly promoted Officers of the Guyana Defence Force.

His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana accompanied by Chief of Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess (right), pinning the promotion badge and Military Service Medal on Substantive Colonel Omar Khan

His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (centre) accompanied by Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Hon. Anil Nandlall, Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Robeson Benn, Chief of Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess and the newly promoted Officers

“The time has come to harness the potential of the military to uplift and build communities all across our country and this will be the focus to make the military more community-oriented, community-engaged and more in line with the national development thrust of our country,” he added.

President Ali urged the GDF to think outside the box as a course is chartered in which the military will be actively involved in the development shift and advancement of our country.

This he said comes on the heels of the “emerging oil and gas sector, new security challenges, new border challenges. The military has to and must play a key role in the emerging needs of our country.”

Receiving promotions were Commander of the Coast Guard, Colonel Gary Beaton who was promoted to Substantive Brigadier. Lieutenant Colonels Ronald Hercules, Julius Skeete, Omar Khan and Kenlloyd Roberts who were promoted to the rank of Substantive Colonel.

The ranks also received the Military Service medal for distinctive service beyond the call of duty.

President Ali noted that “the promotions are long overdue and are necessary to strengthen the leadership of the Guyana Defence Force.”

Also, in attendance at the ceremony were Prime Minister, Hon. Brigadier (R’etd) Mark Phillips, Chief of Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess, Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Robeson Benn and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Hon. Mohabir Anil Nandlall.