Thirty-three officer cadets from the disciplined services, including a member of Belize’s army, were promoted to the rank of ensign at an official ensigncy parade held on Tuesday last at Base Camp Ayanganna.
In his charge to the ensigns, Guyana Defence Force Chief-of-Staff Commodore Gary Best urged them to desist from indulging in indisciplined and deviant behaviour. He said such behaviour would not be tolerated and he reminded them that they are subject to military and civil law. “Do not transgress,” he urged, “Do not let yourselves down. Do not let us down. Become the good, kind, conscientious leaders you can be.”
Best also urged the new ensigns to be good listeners, saying many servicemen have missed their mark because they fail to listen. “Many are before the courts because they fail to listen,” he added. He also told the ensigns that he was proud of them for having weathered the storms thus far then he reminded that they must be mindful that there are other aspects of their training that are not yet complete. He also urged them to continue to display the highest level of discipline. “Do not allow yourself to think that as officers the blast, pomp and ceremony and your appointments are only reposition for your reason for being here and becoming part of us… Make no mistake your future will be filled with activities that will cause you to be continuously judged… your character will be tested and the strengths and weaknesses of our institutions separately and collectively will be ascertained,” Best said.
He also told the ensigns that as future leaders they must be aware of the “shifting sands to be traversed,” understand the linkages of the services and the “elements which comprise our daily existence.” According to Best the knowledge and skills which allow for effective and efficient military accomplishments are not the sole arbiters of success for servicemen. He added that individually or collectively, it is imperative that ranks seek knowledge in every sphere of their existence. He also told them that they have the capacity to become great military and social leaders of the future. “Let me challenge you to seek to better your best in every way,” he charged.
Best also congratulated the officers—who are attached to the army, police force and prison service—on their good work and on achieving the milestone. The Ensigns Platoon was led by Guyana Police Force officer cadet John Barker who is tipped to be best student or under officer of the course; 15 police officers, nine soldiers and four prison officers participated in the ensigncy parade. They were each decorated with the appropriate emblems following an inspection by the commodore.
