Ramotar urges new soldiers to act with pride

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces President Donald Ramotar yesterday urged graduates of the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) first Basic Recruit Course for the year to act with pride and professionalism, deeming the qualities prized possessions of good armies across the world.

Addressing the new soldiers at the ‘Passing out Parade’ held at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac, the President applauded them for choosing to be part of the GDF, before laying out what is required of them and the importance of the execution of their duties to Guyana.

Guyana needs to have a regular stream of recruits to take up positions in the military, he added, while stating that over the years and in modern times the role of the military has been changing.

Selwyn Williams, the Best Graduating student of the Basic Recruit Course 2012-01, receiving his prize from President Donald Ramotar yesterday. (GINA photo)

He made reference to Mexico, where the role of the army includes the resolution of social/civil unrest.

He urged the new soldiers to remain constant in the defence of the country and to become good role models to impact the lives of the youth so that they can thread the right path. “Your own performance, your activities in the army, in your personal life and in the community will have an impact on the lives of other young people… and it is important for you to constantly remember that you are soldiers of the Guyana Defence Force and that all of your activities private or public must be geared to raise the image of the army in our country and internationally,” Ramotar added.

The course commenced on March 26, with 159 recruits drawn from the various regions across Guyana. Training lasted over 16 weeks and 152 of the recruits graduated.

Army Chief of Staff Commodore Gary Best stood before his new ranks and expressed his pride and gratitude at “this historic occasion,” noting that it was the first instance that the ‘Passing out Parade’ was being held in the public domain and the second time a commander-in-chief was addressing the basic recruit course graduates. The first occasion this was done was during the tenure of late president Linden Forbes Burnham.

Best told them, “As a soldier your constitutional duty requires you to defend Guyana and to assist in the maintenance of law and order. Remember that your ultimate mission is to keep Guyana safe; safe from any threats from its borders and safe from any internal threats.”

Best emphasised that they were not just soldiers but rather the most valued assets in the GDF.

Like President Ramotar, he said that the military has taken on a more social/civil role, while adding that their duties now include the preservation of national values and interest, including good governance, participation in the national decision making forums and harboring harmonious communities.

“Act in accordance of the operating procedures of the force and avoid those distractions.

Unity, defence and security must be your strength and your duty to your country must always come first,” Best said, while adding that the GDF is also committed to providing each soldier with education and different military skills.

He encouraged them to serve well and never abuse their power and authority as soldiers.

He also charged them with the responsibility to protect the resources of the GDF, including weapons and ammunition, and to respect those in command.