Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief of Staff Commodore Gary Best charged graduates from the Basic Recruitment Course to take particular care to be patriotic and to protect national values and interests.

According to an army press release Best told the 195 graduates on June 26 that their ultimate mission is to “Keep Guyana safe from any threat to her borders and safe from any threats to her peace and stability.” The Commodore pointed out that the country’s values are based on a system of governance that promotes broad-based participation in national decision-making and its national interests are comprehensive. Best said the national interests include the sacredness of the frontiers and territorial integrity, the peaceful settlement of disputes with other states, support for human rights and fundamental freedoms, rapid economic development and the alleviation of poverty and the realization of a cohesive multi-racial society where decision-making involves every sector.

He appealed to the graduates to uphold their integrity and the Force’s by not allow negative influences to mislead them to commit offences. Best reminded them that as soldiers they are subject to both military and civil laws and that they should guard against mischievous persons who may persuade them to betray the trust placed in them. “Protect your weapons, protect your units, protect your fellow soldiers…in defence of our country,” the Commodore said.

The Chief of Staff also urged the soldiers to take advantage of the educational opportunities the army offers. He said that this is one way in which the Force was committed to helping those who serve the country complete their secondary education and to proceed to tertiary levels of education.

The release said several soldiers were recognised for outstanding performances. Recruits Gavin Semple, Kweasi Abrams of Fourth Platoon were adjudged Best Student and Runner-up respectively. Woman Recruit F Fraser and Recruit Kevin Dickie were judged the best at displaying military knowledge and fitness respectively. Additionally Recruit Eon Moore of First Platoon was judged Best Drill while Recruit Winall Hector of Second Platoon was judged Best Shot.

According to the release the audience at the ceremony for BRC 2008/01 included Commanding Officer at the GDF Training Corps Lt Col E Gaskin, US Military Liaison Officer Lt Col Steve Stanley and Lt Col Zetto of the US Marines.