Five GDF officers promoted

…Gary Beaton elevated to brigadier

Five officers of the Guyana Defence Force were on Saturday approved to be promoted by President Irfaan Ali, the Chief of Staff Godfrey Bess said in a release. The officers’ promotions take effect immediately.

Topping the list is Colonel Gary Beaton who has been promoted to the rank of Substantive Brigadier; Lieutenant Colonels Ronald Hercules, Julius Skeete, Omar Khan and Kenlloyd Roberts have been promoted to the rank of Substantive Colonel.

These promotions come just about two months after former president David Granger, promoted Bess as Brigadier and appointed him to act as Chief of Staff. Bess replaced Brigadier Patrick West who proceeded on pre-retirement leave.

As Chief of Staff (ag), Granger said that Bess will have to instruct and influence his subordinates to achieve a specific mission while effectively employing the Force’s assets, demonstrating leadership and fostering a collective effort towards excellence.

“The Chief of Staff is not merely the holder of the highest rank and most prestigious appointment in the Force. He is required to exercise command continuously in order to achieve the objectives of the Defence Board and directives of the Minister in order to accomplish the Force’s mission. He must communicate, coordinate and, most important, collaborate with his subordinates,” the former President had said.

He said that the management of the Defence Force, this year, will no doubt be challenging as the Chief of Staff is assuming command of the Force as Guyana celebrated its 50th Republic Anniversary, the Force celebrated its 55th anniversary and the country embarks on a Decade of Development.

The Chief-of-Staff, Officers and Ranks of the Guyana Defence Force extend congratulations to all the newly promoted officers.