– GETS FIRST FEMALE COMMANDANT
A proud and historic moment unfolded today within the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), as Colonel Lloyd Souvenir officially handed over command of the Guyana National Reserve (GNR) to Colonel Lorraine Foster during a ceremonial Change of Command Parade held at Base Camp Seweyo.
With the formal handing over of the Regimental Colour, Colonel Forster was appointed Commandant of the Guyana National Reserve, becoming the first female officer in the history of the GDF to assume this prestigious role. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the evolution of leadership within the Force and underscores the GDF’s ongoing commitment to progress and inclusion.
Witnessing the Change of Command was Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, along with other senior officers of the Force. Subsequent to the parade, Colonel Foster took the Command Affirmation and was issued the Instrument of Command by Brigadier Khan, formally cementing her appointment as Commandant GNR.
Colonel Souvenir, who served as Commandant of the GNR since September 2023, now proceeds to a staff appointment at Defence Headquarters, where he will continue to serve at the strategic level. A career officer with deep ties to the GNR, Colonel Souvenir previously held several key appointments within the Reserve and is widely respected for his professionalism and dedication.
In his farewell remarks, Colonel Souvenir reflected on key moments of his career and extended heartfelt thanks to the officers and ranks of Base Camp Seweyo for their unwavering support during his tenure. He also expressed full confidence in his successor, highlighting Colonel Foster’s distinguished career and her proven record of leadership. He is optimistic that the GNR will continue to grow and excel and uphold the standards of the GDF. “Thank you for your lessons and memories and the honour for serving alongside you,” he told the gathering of mostly officers and ranks of the GNR.
Colonel Foster, the most senior female officer currently serving in the GDF, brings a wealth of operational knowledge and institutional experience to her new role. Prior to this appointment, she served as Adjutant General at Defence Headquarters, among several other senior positions held throughout her career. Her ascension to Commandant is widely expected to usher in a new era of excellence and renewed commitment within the National Reserve.
Today’s ceremony at Base Camp Seweyo not only marked a seamless transition of leadership but also added a remarkable chapter to the annals of the Guyana Defence that celebrates progress, professionalism, and history in the making.
