SENIOR OFFICER JOINS GLOBAL MILITARY LEADERS AT NETHERLANDS DEFENCE COLLEGE

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The Chief of Defence Staff, Officers, and Ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) extend congratulations to Lieutenant Colonel Keith Watts, MEM, on his successful completion of the International Military Cooperation Course (IMCC) at the Netherlands Defence College, Majoor Jan Linzel Complex, Brasserskade, The Hague.

The IMCC is a highly regarded programme designed to sharpen participants’ understanding of global and regional peace and security challenges, with a particular focus on the role of military cooperation and diplomacy in addressing these complex issues.

Lieutenant Colonel Watts was part of an accomplished cohort of twenty-two (22) military officers and one (1) civilian professional from 22 countries.

This multinational mix provided a rich environment for cross-cultural learning and collaboration, reflecting the global nature of contemporary security challenges.

The course combined online preparatory work with a rigorous one-month residential phase in the Netherlands. The programme covered areas including Peace and Security Challenges, Multilateral Cooperation, International Law and the Law of Armed Conflict, and Military Diplomacy. Participants also conducted several study visits, including to the International Criminal Court (ICC), where they engaged directly with representatives from the Office of the Prosecutor.

Lieutenant Colonel Watts now becomes the second GDF officer in recent times to successfully complete this prestigious programme. His achievement underscores the Force’s commitment to professional development and further strengthens its capacity to engage in international security cooperation at the highest levels.