Welfare support is an essential component in the maintenance of the moral of our troops! It is against this background that the Guyana Defence Force continues to support its members and their families particularly in times of need. Early last month, Lance Corporal Michael Thompson, who serves at the 2 1 Artillery Company, lost his father in a fire which also completely gutted their home at John Street Campbellville, Georgetown. Today, LCPL Thompson received a monetary donation to assist in his family’s recovery efforts. He was also presented with a grocery hamper. Making the presentation were Officer Commanding of the 21 Artillery Company (ag), Captain Jamal Scott and Force Welfare Officer , Civilian Jermain Hamilton. Corporal Marvin Frank was on hand to capture this moment.
Year: 2021
GDF COAST GUARD AND US NAVY CONDUCT PASSEX
The Guyana Defence Force and the United States Navy conducted a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) offshore Guyana, within the territorial sea, on Saturday September 18, 2021.Two Metal Shark vessels of the Coast Guard and US Naval Ship, BURLINGTON were used in the conduct of the exercise which was aimed at practicing the US Navy and GDF Coast Guard to improve interoperability for future tactical and contingency operations with partner nations as well as improve strategic partnership with the United States Armed Forces. Below we share a few photographs from this exercise.
25 RANKS SUCESSFULLY COMPLETE GRADE THREE FINANCE COURSE
Twenty-five more soldiers are now equipped with the requisite knowledge to function as junior finance and pay clerks, following their successful completion of the Grade Three Finance Course 2021-01.
During the 12- week course, the soldiers were exposed to training in a number of areas including imprest, bank reconciliation, processing public revenue, computation of superannuation benefits, NIS and salaries and processing Central bank transactions.
Colonel Administration and Quartering (ag), Lieutenant Colonel Dale De Mendonca in his address to the ranks, expressed his satisfaction at their successful completion of the course. He reminded them that as young professionals in the field and more so within the Guyana Defence Force, it was imperative that they understand the accompanying responsibility. “It is important for you to understand that you will be exposed to financial information which you would be expected to handle in the appropriate manner. In the execution of your duties, you are to remain professional and abide by the financial regulations of the GDF,” he said. To this end, Lt Col Mendonca also stressed that it was important for the soldiers to read and understand those regulations thoroughly, if they are to be successful, as well as, safeguard their own professional development.
Lance Corporal (LCPL) Denzel Sampson was adjudged the Best Graduating Student while LCPL Nikolai Gittens received the Runner-up prize. Photography by Corporal Marvin Frank of the G9 Branch.
212 SOLDIERS COMPLETE LEADERSHIP COURSES
A total of 212 soldiers graduated from three courses, designed to boost their leadership capacity, at their respective levels in the Guyana Defence Force.The Platoon Sergeants’ Course (PSC) 2021-01, the Section Commanders’ Course (SCC) 2021-02 and the Junior Leaders’ Course (JLC) 2021-02, concluded earlier today at the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School Drill Square, Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri.The three courses commenced training on July 6,2021, with students drawn from various units across the Force and each lasted 12 weeks.Commandant of the Guyana People’s Militia, Colonel Trevor Bowman officiated at the graduation ceremony today and in his address congratulated the students and training staff for bringing the courses to a successful completion, given the current circumstances. Speaking specifically to those students who have completed the PSC, which is the most senior of the three courses, Colonel Bowman reminded them of their integral roles and compelled them to ensure that a sense of duty is foremost in their minds. “Never abuse the authority given to you as you lead!” he urged.He charged all the graduates to be ever conscious of their environment and remain relevant. “Read the Force’s Standing Operating Procedures and Values and Standards. Know them, conform to them! Endeavor to improve your academic strides, by utilizing the opportunities afforded by the force,” he asserted.Commanding Officer of the Training Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Collin Henry, had earlier emphasized that the graduates are now expected to train, lead and administer an infantry platoon in peacetime or combat and equally, they’re all expected to display a high level of discipline at their units, upon return. Prizes for outstanding performances were given for all three courses. Corporal Amsel Allen copped the prizes for Best Graduating Student and Best Military Knowledge for PSC while Petty Officer Kenneth Benn was adjudged the Runner-Up Best Graduating Student. Best Shot & Best Fitness prizes was received by Corporal Orlando Norton, while the prize for Best Drill was given to Able Rating Jeromey Agard.For the Section Commanders’ Course, Leading Rating Stephon Matthews copped the prizes for the Best Graduating Student and Best Military Knowledge, while Corporal Astion Niles received the prizes for Runner-Up Best Student and Best Drill. Corporal Jamal Wilson was adjudged the Best Shot and Best Fitness.Lance Corporal Avion Kendall received the prizes for the Best Graduating Student and Best Military Knowledge for JLC, while Lance Corporal Jullius Kesney copped the prizes Runner-up Best Graduating Student and Best Drill. Lance Corporal Peter Boyce and Lance Corporal Jamal McPherson received prizes for Best Shot and Best Fitness, respectively. Photography by Lance Corporal Randy Deputron of the G9 Branch.
GDF MAKES TIMELY DONATION TO KAIKAN COMMUNITY
The Guyana Defence Force continues to build good relations with the community of Kaikan, Region 7(Cuyuni/Mazaruni) with its latest gesture being the donation of a quantity of sports equipment, trophies and medals.During the simple presentation ceremony, Staff Officer One Special Duties, Lieutenant Colonel Eon Murray emphasized, that the Force remains committed to fostering and maintaining good relations with the community for its future development.Toshao Marlon Williams received the donations and expressed thanks to the Force for this initiative which he said, will go a far way in realising the community’s Heritage games.The donation was made on Friday last.