Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday urged the 31 newly commissioned officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to lead with fairness, compassion and commitment to service.
The graduation parade for Standard Officers’ Course 56 was held at Base Camp Ayangana, Georgetown. The newly commissioned officers include 21 from the GDF, six from the Guyana Police Force, and four from the Belize Defence Force.
President Ali emphasised that the graduation represents not just the culmination of months of intense drills, studies, and tactical training, but the beginning of a lifetime of service.
“As your Commander-in-Chief, I remind you that your responsibility is not a trivial one. It carries the weight of duty, trust, and expectations. It is the responsibility to defend, to protect, and to serve,” he said.
He called on the officers to foster a culture of accountability, resilience, and service within their ranks, ensuring that every soldier feels respected, supported, and prepared, not only to defend Guyana’s sovereignty but to contribute to national development, disaster response, and regional stability.
In congratulating the new officers, President Ali said they now join a proud lineage of officers who have defended Guyana’s borders, safeguarded communities, supported constitutional order, and service to the nation.
“Wherever you find yourselves, in barracks, on borders, in disaster zones, in command posts, you will be called upon to embody the ideals of integrity, courage, resilience, and teamwork. No officer stands alone,” the Commander-in-Chief told the officers.
The President also commended the instructors and families whose dedication and support were crucial to the officers’ success.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening the GDF, President Ali highlighted ongoing investments in modern equipment, rigorous training, and strategic readiness to ensure Guyana’s territorial integrity remains secure.
The ceremony saw Cadet Officer Roger Westmoreland being named the Best Graduating Student. He was awarded the Presidential Sword of Honour. Westmoreland, who previously graduated as the top student from the Guyana Police Force in 2018, served in the Special Protective Service at State House before enlisting in the Standard Officers’ Course. He expressed his commitment to continuing his service to the country.
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