The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is scheduled to have a new Chief-of-Staff sworn in today, only three months after Brigadier George Lewis took over the army’s top job.
Colonel Patrick West, who is the former Commandant of the Guyana People’s
Brigadier George Lewis as he toured Base Seweyo on January 6th
Militia (GPM), will be sworn in at 07:30h at Camp Ayanganna, before President and Commander-in-Chief David Granger. It is expected that there will be a Change of Command parade afterwards.
His succession of Lewis is reportedly due to Lewis having almost reached the age of retirement, 55 years. Lewis himself succeeded Brigadier Mark Phillips on October 3.
Before his latest promotion, West had served briefly as the Deputy Chief-of-Staff of the GDF. He is the holder of Master’s Degrees in military arts and administration.
Final days as Chief-of-Staff
With his retirement fast approaching, Brigadier Lewis was involved in a series of visits over the past few days to Base Camp Stephenson at Timehri and to the Guyana People’s Militia Headquarters at Base Seweyo.
On Monday, he bid farewell to his officers and troops at Base Camp Ayanganna. Describing his career as a good and satisfying one; he thanked the officers for their support.
The Brigadier also encouraged the troops to stay focused and to continue delivering their best performance.
He said, “Do not allow the uncertainty that accompanies change of command to affect your work. Continue to perform your tasks in keeping with the orders and instructions given and you will be all right.”
Reminding the troops of their duty to leave GDF better than they found it when they first enlisted, he told them to embrace the Force’s education programme.
“Wear your uniform with pride,” the outgoing Chief-of-Staff said. “Be proud of who you are and what you are doing here in the GDF. Do not allow anyone to break your spirit. Follow the rules and regulations and you won’t attract negative criticism.”
Brigadier Lewis also urged the officers and ranks to continue building on what they have achieved. He then introduced Colonel West as the Chief-of-Staff-designate.
In his brief remarks, Colonel West noted that the GPM would continue to be developed, so that it would be properly established throughout the Regions. To this end, he alluded to enhanced training for reserve officers and reservists in general.
The officers and ranks of the GPM then proceeded to present Brigadier Lewis with a token of appreciation and wished him well in his future endeavours.
As one of his final acts, Brigadier Lewis elevated Sergeant Sithole George to the rank of Staff Sergeant.
