02-Feb-1926 – 16-Feb-2019
Colonel Cecil Martindale stands as one of the pillars in the history of Guyana’s military and sporting development, leaving behind a distinguished legacy of service, leadership, and community engagement.
His military career began in 1948 when he enlisted in the ranks of the British Guiana Volunteer Force (BGVF). In August 1951, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and quickly rose through the ranks—promoted to Lieutenant in 1952, Captain in 1955, Major in 1961, Lieutenant Colonel in 1967, and finally Colonel in 1976. His early foundation in leadership was laid even before his military service, having taught for a few years and served in the Public Service as a Customs Officer with the Customs & Excise Department starting in 1946.
In March 1966, Colonel Martindale was seconded from the Public Service to the newly established Guyana Defence Force (GDF), where he was appointed Officer Commanding Headquarters Company 1 GDF. In 1967, he was entrusted with command of the 2nd Battalion GDF, a position that showcased his operational and leadership capabilities. After several years of distinguished service, he returned to the Public Service in December 1971.
Colonel Martindale was a pioneering figure in the development of the Reserves and was appointed as the first Commandant of the Guyana People’s Militia, further expanding the GDF’s national footprint. Over his more than 40 years of military service, he significantly shaped the life, growth, and traditions of the Defence Forces. In recognition of his exemplary contributions, the GDF Staff School was renamed in his honour as the Colonel Cecil Martindale Command and Staff School.
Throughout his military career, Colonel Martindale received numerous accolades, including:
- Efficiency Decoration (1962)
- Independence Medal (1966)
- Border Defence Medal (1967)
- Military Service Medal (1972)
- Military Service Star (1981)
- Military Efficiency Medal (1984)
Beyond his military service, Colonel Martindale was an avid sportsman and cultural advocate. He had a deep love for sports and music, promoting the playing of steelband music within the GDF and supporting the early development of hockey in Guyana. His passion extended to national leadership roles in sports administration:
- President of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA)
- President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)
- President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC)
- Vice-President of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU)
- Secretary and later President of the Boys Brigade Council of Guyana
His dynamic involvement in both military and civil spheres helped shape a culture of excellence, service, and pride across generations of Guyanese citizens.
Upon his passing, President David Granger extended heartfelt condolences to Colonel Martindale’s wife, Bernice, children, Melanie and Noel, and other relatives, recognizing the immense and lasting contributions he made to the nation.
Colonel Cecil Martindale’s life remains a testament to unwavering service, leadership, and national pride
