Thirty-one pairs of Officers’ Stars were today blessed as commissioning activities for the Standard Officer Course 56 (SOC 56) officially commenced. The ceremony, held at the Auditorium, Base Camp Ayanganna, marked the beginning of a week of events leading up to the Officers’ Commissioning Parade.
The service opened with the traditional march-in of the Force Colour Party, followed immediately by Lieutenant Karwin Nieuenkirk, who bore the Officers’ Stars into the auditorium for the blessing. The Colour Ensign was Second Lieutenant Trolston Embrack, the Colour Custodian was Warrant Officer Class Two Cordel Hector, and the Escorts to the Colour were Petty Officer Kenneth Benn and Sergeant Wilford Scott.
Delivering the sermon was Pastor Osley Edwards of the Guyana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, who encouraged the Ensigns to go forward bravely, putting aside all fears, striving always to be their best, and remaining true to themselves. His message centered on faith, courage, and the call to serve with integrity and humility.
The service was attended by the National Security Advisor, Mr Gerald Gouveia, AA, Heads of the Disciplined Services; Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, Commissioner of Police, Mr. Clifton Hicken, Director of Prisons (ag), Mr. Nicklon Elliott,and Fire Chief, Mr. Gregory Wickham, Senior Officers of the Force, and family members of the Ensigns.
Thirty-one students have successfully completed the Standard Officer Course 56. Among them are six Ensigns from the Guyana Police Force, four from the Belize Defence Force, and the remainder who will serve within the Guyana Defence Force.
These potential officers will be formally adorned with their new badges of rank by His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali at their Commissioning Parade to be held on Wednesday October 15,2025.
