Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Anthony Phillips served with distinction as Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) from 2013 to 2016. His leadership tenure was marked by a strong commitment to institutional modernisation, operational readiness, and strategic defence planning.
He began his military career in December 1980 as an Officer Cadet and received his initial officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom. Throughout a career spanning over three decades, he held several critical command and staff appointments within the GDF, including Colonel (Administration and Quartering) and Colonel (General Staff). His elevation to Chief of Staff was a culmination of a career grounded in professionalism, discipline, and national service.
Brigadier Phillips holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Public Management from the University of Guyana and a Master of Science in Public Sector Management. His advanced military education includes studies at the United States Army Command and General Staff College and the Inter-American Defense College in Washington, D.C., equipping him with a comprehensive understanding of hemispheric security and defence cooperation.
Following his retirement from the GDF, he entered public life and was appointed as the 9th Prime Minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in 2020. In this capacity, he holds responsibility for key sectors including energy, disaster preparedness and response, telecommunications, and the national information infrastructure. He also serves as a member of the Defence Board, contributing his extensive military expertise to national security strategy.
In recognition of his outstanding military service, Brigadier Phillips was awarded the Military Service Star (MSS), the highest military honour conferred by the State. His career reflects a legacy of disciplined leadership, strategic insight, and an unwavering dedication to the development and security of Guyana.
