The Guyana Defence Force on Thursday held its Medal Presentation Parade, during which ranks were bestowed with the respective medals for their service to Guyana.
The Military Efficiency Medal for 10 years of continuous unblemished service, and the Border Defence Medal for service on the borders were conferred by President and Commander-in-Chief, Dr Irfaan Ali, at the Drill Square at Base Camp Ayanganna in Georgetown.
President Dr Irfaan Ali conferring one of the ranks with a medal
A total of 35 officers and 46 other ranks met the criteria for the Military Efficiency Medal, while seven officers and 67 other ranks met the criteria for the Border Defence Medal.
The Military Efficiency Medal (MEM) is awarded to officers and ranks of the regular Force who complete 10 years of continuous service without any disciplinary issue. The Border Defence Medal is awarded in two classes. Class one is awarded to any member of the disciplinary services who is a member of a unit engaged in hostilities in defence of the territorial integrity of Guyana. Class two is awarded to any officer or rank deployed in areas within 100 kilometers of a hostile border on permanent duties for a total of 365 days with no disciplinary issue.
The Force also announced on Thursday that it has welcomed 12 newly-minted Grade Three Chefs following their successful completion of the Grade Three Chef course.
The Grade Three Chef course aims to equip students with the knowledge needed to maintain good hygiene in the preparation and storage of food, in accordance with the Guyana Defence Force doctrine. The course lasted for twelve weeks, and was held at Base Camp Ayanganna BC(A).
Lance Corporal (LCPL) Stefon Anderson of the Three Infantry Battalion received the prize for best graduating student, while LCPL Devon Torrington of BC(A) copped the runner-up best graduating student prize.
Base Commander of Base Camp Stephenson, Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Souvenir, in his address to the graduates, highlighted the importance of their roles within the GDF.
“This course is designed to enhance and develop your culinary skills with a focus on nutrition and hygiene, so that you can be of service to the Guyana Defence Force in a specific area that is extremely essential to the daily lives of officers and ranks,” Souvenir stated.
The course was administered by the Force’s Chief Catering Officer, Warrant Officer Class Two Monique Skeete, who was assisted by civilian Coleen Castillion in the practical aspects of the course. (G12)
