Ten Warrant Officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were today honoured for their outstanding service, unwavering dedication to duty, and steadfast commitment to excellence, having each served the nation for more than twenty-seven years. The most senior among them was recognised for an exceptional 29 years and 3 months of service.
Held in an atmosphere of dignity and pride, the ceremony paid tribute not only to the years of service but also to the professionalism, leadership, and integrity each Warrant Officer brought to their respective units. From mentoring junior ranks to executing complex missions, the honourees have consistently embodied the values of the Force and contributed significantly to its growth and operational readiness.
Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, expressed his appreciation for the honourees, noting that they had all helped to build the Force and that their contributions would not be forgotten. He congratulated them on their service and urged them to continue being symbols of standardisation, leading by example in how they look, sound, and move. He encouraged them to embrace continuous self-education so they remain informed, adaptable, and ready to respond with the agility required of their rank and experience. Brigadier Khan described the event as an important tribute, stating that he was honoured and proud to share in the moment. He extended heartfelt thanks not only to the honourees but also to their families for the sacrifices they had made, and encouraged the recipients to continue being good servicemen, mentors, and leaders.
Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Carlyn Dover, the only female among those honoured, thanked the Chief of Defence Staff for his recognition and expressed that the ceremony served as a meaningful acknowledgement of the years they had devoted to the Force. She reflected that she and her colleagues, like many others within the Warrant Officers’ Corps, had dedicated more than half of their lives to national service, and that this gesture validated their contributions and affirmed that they had served well.
Also honoured were WO1s Andre Worrel and Selwyn Douglas, both among the most senior recipients. Warrant Officers Class Two Monty Knights, Michael Joseph, Rudolph Moore, Dwaine Clarke, Hosbort Carmichael, Seon Duncan, and Keon Need were also celebrated. Collectively, the ten Warrant Officers have rendered over 282 years of combined service to the Guyana Defence Force. Nine of the ten Warrant Officers remain in active service, continuing to lead, mentor, and uphold the high standards of the Force.
Their recognition highlights the value of experience and steady leadership in shaping the next generation.
The ceremony, which was held at the Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Mess, was attended by several senior officers including Colonel General Staff, Captain (CG) Vernon Burnett; Adjutant General, Colonel Lloyd Souvenir; Inspector General, Lieutenant Colonel Natasha Stanford-Francis; and Force Sergeant Major William Richmond, along with other members of the Warrant Officer and Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Corps.
As the Force continues to evolve in an ever-changing security environment, the leadership, mentorship, and institutional memory of Warrant Officers remain vital to sustaining standards and upholding the proud traditions of military service.
