In a historic first, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officer, Windee Algernon, has been promoted to Colonel making her the first full-serving female member of any of the Caribbean’s armed forces to hold such a rank.
Algernon, who has been elevated in rank from Substantive Lieutenant Colonel, headed the GDF’s promotions list which was announced yesterday. Commander-in-Chief, President Donald Ramotar has approved Colonel Algernon’s promotion along with those of 68 other officers of the force, a statement from the GDF said.
“Colonel Algernon’s elevation to her new rank is also quite significant since she is the first full-serving member of any of the Caribbean’s armed forces to hold such an appointment,” the statement said.
Algernon told reporters that she has been in the army since 1980, served in a number of appointments and underwent several training courses locally and overseas. “Today I am happy having been promoted to rank of full colonel,” she said during a break in the GDF annual officers’ conference yesterday. Colonel Algernon said there is nothing difficult or easy about army life. “It is what it is, life in the military… what you have to do is to adapt and over the years given the training and exposure you are able to do that,” she said with a smile. The officer said she is looking forward to her retirement and hopes to continue serving Guyana. She said her appointment would encourage female ranks to aspire to attain the highest rank. “If I had to do it again, I would always choose the military for what it has done for me,” she stated.
Other promotions announced yesterday included Colonel Khemraj Persaud who was elevated to that rank on January 1, 2011, and who has now been confirmed in his rank, while Substantive Lieutenant Colonels Enoch Gaskin and Francis Abraham have been elevated in rank to Acting Colonel. Acting Lieutenants Colonel Lawrence Fraser and Ronald Hercules have been confirmed in their rank, while Substantive Major Fitzroy Warde has been elevated in rank to Substantive Lieutenant Colonel.
Substantive Majors Ramkarran Doodnauth, Gary Baird, Godfrey Bess, Julius Skeete, Sherwin Anderson and Omar Khan have been elevated in rank to Acting Lieutenant Colonel while Acting Major Raul Jerrick has been confirmed in his rank, the release stated. Substantive Lieutenant Kevin Moore has been promoted to Local Captain.
In the Coast Guard, Substantive Sub Lieutenant Adrian McLean has been elevated in rank to Acting Lieutenant (CG) while three Acting Sub Lieutenants including one female have been elevated in rank to Substantive Sub Lieutenant.
The newly-promoted senior officers received their new badges of rank at a simple ceremony at the Officers Club at Base Camp Ayanganna yesterday, the statement said. The announcement of the promotions among the GDF’s other ranks will be made shortly.
