ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY MR. BHARRAT JAGDEO, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES TO THE COMMISSIONING PARADE OF THE STANDARD OFFICERS’ COURSE NO. 34
DRILL SQUARE, CAMP AYANGANNA - February 13, 2002

Our newly commissioned officers have done themselves a great honour having decided to take up this noble profession – the military. They too have committed themselves to serve our nation and must be recognised for this significant step.
Over the past months, you, the new officers, have endured training which was rigorous and robust. You demonstrated the commitment and fortitude to withstand the challenges that will be part of your profession.
You are being commissioned at a time when the Guyana Defence Force has gained enduring respect and admiration from the people of Guyana and my Government. My Government’s high regards for the military is exemplified by the heightened level of consultations that take place between the administration and the leadership of the military on issues of national importance.
This close collaboration is necessary given the realities of the world today.
The world financial, trade and economic regimes are undergoing changes which often do not take into account the vulnerabilities of small, developing states such as ours. The world trading systems are being rapidly altered creating both potential benefits and challenges for our country. Globalisation and trade liberalisation offer opportunities for enhanced welfare creation but can also eliminate national sectors that are uncompetitive and lead to a loss of national welfare.
We are currently engaged in crucial trade negotiations with the ACP/EU, and within the WTO, FTAA and CARICOM, among others, striving always to harness those aspects that promote our economy and enhance our national well-being.
Internally, there are small interest groups that seem ready to undermine law and order in pursuit of their own narrow ends. All our people must work towards the maintenance of law and order and the primacy of the common good.
Having won the Presidency in the March 19th Elections, you and all Guyanese will recall the numbers and the nature of the immediate and repetitive challenges that I faced within weeks of my assumption of Office. Let there be no doubt of the accuracy of my statement and the sincerity of my sentiment that we in the Administration and, indeed all of Guyana, are indebted to the members of the Joint Services, particularly the Army and the Police Force for their principled support and professionalism during that difficult time.
You might recall the challenge that I threw out at my Inauguration. Essentially, I said then that we had to do more to help ourselves and must not lose sight of our goal of a united and prosperous society.

At the start of this year, my administration held a Cabinet Retreat where we defined our work programme for 2002. These will see major emphasis on job creation activities, and better health, housing, and education for our people. The overall objective will be to improve the living conditions of the Guyanese people and to foster greater harmony.
Within weeks, my administration will be celebrating the anniversary of our first year in office. It has been an eventful and challenging period.
Like me, today, the newly Commissioned Officers, would be experiencing the same joy of successfully responding to the challenges of that past period. I too like you stand before this Guyanese audience, eagerly anticipating the future, planning and implementing the strategies to discharge my responsibilities to all my people.
I look expectantly at you, the young men and women of the military, young Guyanese of a proud tradition. I pledge and my Administration is resolved to ensure that your choice will always be one that is filled with promise and satisfaction from beginning to end.
I envision a military that provides for you during your years of active service, and equip you with skills that allow you gainful employment after the close of your military career. This career path offers opportunities for training for all academic, scientific and technical fields. Today, the Maritime and Aviation sectors offer these expanded opportunities. Soon possibilities in the natural sciences, surveying, cartography and Information Communication and Technology sectors will follow.
Training was planned in accordance with the Force’s policy and doctrine which is continuously influence by the ever-changing demands of national security. Training is geared to prepare a military officer who will serve with true faith and allegiance. The responsibilities of the GDF to the Guyanese society are as such as to elevate professional competence to the level of moral obligation.
For Law abiding Guyanese and those committed to respect for public safety your steadfastness is reassuring.
You have worked to secure our way of life and the integrity of our society and like me you are committed to defend that which we cherish and that which nurtured us all.
Our Constitution has identified and its recently concluded Reform Process has reaffirmed the role and responsibilities of the Military.
The role of the Military will continue to be of much significance. Multi-tasking would be your reality and resourcefulness will be your standard. Internal Security, Territorial Integrity, and National Development would characterise the different aspects of your role in safe guarding the Republic and its gains
The National Budget would be presented to the National Assembly shortly and in it would again reflect my Government’s commitment to continue the recapitalisation of our military. We would continue to make advances toward the eventual realisation of the goal of a small, professional, well-trained and equipped force supported by a large reserve.
Newly commissioned officers, I am certain that during this recently concluded period of officer training you must have had cause to reflect on your choice of a profession and its meaning.
The fact of your presence here today and that of families and friends, who supported you during the period of your training, is evidence of your commitment, and through you, their commitment to the Army, the Constitution, and to Guyana. Military service will demand more of you now that you are Officers. As such, you must commit yourself to defending the honour and dignity of the GDF.
Let me say that a credible Army is important for the promotion of wider national interest. Indeed government’s economic and social programme can only be successfully implemented in an environment of peace and stability. In fact, peace and stability are essential conditions for the very survival of the nation. To this end, you have played and, I am sure, will continue to play an important role.
I have the confidence that the plans of my Administration will be realise and provide Guyanese with a better standard of living.
In the same way, I call on you to be confident of yourself and your institution and generate confidence wherever you go in your profession in your Government and your country.
Congratulations on your success and best wishes for the future.

Thank you.