His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, today presented Instruments of Commission to the newly commissioned Second Lieutenants of the Standard Officer Course 56, and State Warrants to four Warrant Officers.
The ceremony, held at Office Of the President, saw the Second Lieutenants taking the Oath of Service before the Commander-in-Chief, in the presence of Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, along with senior officers of the Guyana Defence Force and members of the Joint Services.
By taking the Oath of Service and receiving their Instruments of Commission, the newly appointed Officers have pledged their allegiance to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and sworn to faithfully discharge their duties in defence of the nation,upholding the Constitution without fear or favour.
The presentation of State Warrants to the four Warrant Officers signifies the State’s confidence in their leadership, professionalism, and continued service to the Force and the people of Guyana.
In his address, His Excellency, President and Commander-in-Chief Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, reminded the newly commissioned Officers and Warrant Officers that the day’s proceedings marked far more than a ceremony, they signified the Republic’s confidence in those entrusted to lead. He affirmed that the Instruments of Commission and State Warrants are “symbols of authority grounded in trust, discipline, and responsibility.”
The President urged the recipients to exercise their duties with wisdom, restraint, and justice, noting that their authority makes them not masters over others, but “servants of a higher cause, to lead by example, inspire through character, and protect those under their command.”
He charged the Officers to be guided by “loyalty, courage, and good conduct”, values
that define the spirit of military leadership. Loyalty, he emphasized, must remain steadfast to the Constitution, the Republic, and the Defence Force. “Courage is the moral strength to do what is right, even in adversity,” while good conduct, he noted,
“reflects integrity, fairness, and respect for all ranks.”
The President also encouraged continuous learning and adaptability, stressing that today’s defence environment demands “strategic thinking, technological readiness, and resilience in the face of emerging threats such as cyber risks and transnational challenges.”
President Ali concluded by reminding the Officers that “service to country is a sacred calling — one that requires selflessness, humility, and unwavering commitment to the people of Guyana.” He urged them to strengthen unity within the Force, support
their leadership, and carry forward the proud traditions of the Guyana Defence Force “with vision, courage, and honour.”
The event marked a significant milestone in the professional development of the newly commissioned Officers and Warrant Officers, who now assume greater responsibilities in the command, leadership, and service of the Guyana Defence
Force and the nation.
