Dear Editor,

I congratulate the newly appointed Chief of Staff Commodore Gary Best on his promotion to the rank of Commodore, and on his appointment as Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force. As an ex-officer of the GDF (Coast Guard) it is with pride and jubilation that I see one of our own from the coast guard following our other Caribbean sisters by this historic appointment.

I am however saddened and disappointed by the behaviour of the outgoing Chief of Staff and senior officers who shunned the ceremonial passing out parade and assumption parade; that is the customary military protocol expected from any officer, and their absence shows disrespect to the officers corps to which they belong.

While not attempting to become embroiled in the decision of the Commander in Chief in choosing his leadership, I can say this has happened twice before in the GDF, and no doubt will happen again. Senior officers must understand that promotions and appointments are at the sole discretion of the Commander-in-Chief.

While I am not attempting to lecture a senior officer, the actions taken can be considered unbecoming, and the ranks and troops that served under him at least deserved a public thank you, since a public rebuff of fellow senior officers is in bad taste.

I wish the newly appointed Chief of Staff all success in his new challenge, and the support and encouragement from the diaspora of ex-officers in the USA, and I thank the departing senior officers for the sterling service they provided to our nation during their tenure, and welcome them to the fold of the ex-GDF officers group.

Yours faithfully,

Basil Blackman

Ex-GDF Officer