Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces President Donald Ramotar yesterday urged members of the Disciplined Services to resist quick riches that could compromise the nation’s security.
He was at the time addressing the graduating officers of the Standard Officer Course #44 at the Guyana Defence Force Base Camp Ayanganna, Drill Square.
“In securing our nation, I urge the members of our Disciplined Services to avoid the temptation of being compromised and lured with fast money and quick riches, yielding to such temptations corrupts your morals and are affronts to our proud heritage,” he said.
Although 24 ensigns, drawn from the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Prison Services started the course, only 15 of them completed it.
Ramotar told the graduates that the commissioning parade was a fulfilment of their ambition as they embark on their careers as officers in the disciplined forces. Noting that it was a demanding 12-month training programme that provided a stern test to the minds and bodies, he congratulated the ensigns for their successful completion, while singling them out for their ambition, determination and drive.
He reminded that the service to which they are called will be the defence of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, to protect the nation from internal security threats or to attenuate dangers for any number of reasons. Further, he emphasised that government is keen on ensuring that professionalism and integrity remain key elements in the disciplined services, where, he noted, it is honourable to have a career.
“I must say that I agree totally with my wife, who recently addressed the Women Corps of the Guyana Defence Force and said in her view service in the disciplined forces is one of the greatest public service a citizen can give to his or her country,” he added.
According to Ramotar, Guyana is becoming extremely attractive to young people with ambition and the country is prepared. He said that food is becoming a global issue and the role of agriculture will be even more important, which would mean great possibilities for the country.
He also noted that new poles of economic development are emerging with exciting possibilities, while adding that oil exploration and tourism both hold great promise. In addition, he said the country’s extensive forests position it to become a global player in the provision of environmental services, which, he said, could raise significant resources. He boasted that the development of infrastructure will allow Guyana to become a major port for the movement of goods and services between south and north America and the rest of the world, while hydroelectricity will reduce the cost of energy, thus making the country more productive. He also noted the need to build resilience against rising sea levels, flooding and the other effects of unpredictable weather patterns.
Meanwhile, prizes were awarded at yesterday’s graduation to top performer 999137 Ensign Anthony Lyttle, who copped the Best Student award, the Sword of Honour, the Brazilian and Venezuelan Armed Forces awards. The Runner-up Student was 999119 Ensign Jermaine Grant, who also got the Best Drill Award and 999131 Ensign Preston Paul and 999115 Ensign Samuel Klien copped the Best Military Knowledge and Best Shot awards, respectively.
Among those in attendance at the graduation were First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Leader of the Opposition David Granger, Presidential Advisor Gail Teixeira, Minister of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaran, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Minister of Culture Dr Frank Anthony,.
