New Army Chief commits to improving professionalism and accountability within force

By Kurt Campbell

[www.inewsguyana.com] – The recently appointed 8th Chief of staff of the Guyana Defence Force Brigadier Mark Phillips announced that the change over from former Army Chief Rear Admiral Gary Best has been nothing short of a smooth one.

Phillips made the statement on Friday November 1, while delivering remarks at a thanksgiving service at Camp Ayanganna, Georgetown to mark the Force’s 48th anniversary.

“I inherited a force that continues to make progress in the execution of its mandate” he said.

The new Army Chief told those present that professionalism will continue to be the hallmark of the force, a force that will be around forever as the stable band of the Guyanese society, he said.

Brigadier Phillips challenged ranks present to uphold the standards of the GDF and committed to improving academics and professionalism within the force.

“Officers must treat condignly with ranks involved in ill behavior and protect the image of the GDF,” he added.

He told ranks to embrace further academic programmes and training. Phillips announced that leadership, command and accountability will be his guiding force over the next year. He paused on the topic of accountability to inform ranks that it demands that the force adhere to financial and audit regulations to better manage public funds.

He also called for the return to a system of patrolling Guyana’s borders and urged ranks to be more visible in interior locations and improve their operational readiness.

Moreover, loud applause erupted in the auditorium when the Army Chief announced that he will be moving to improve the facility, access to information and communication technology and will be looking at a possible increase in salary for all staff.