28 regional security officers’ complete leadership course

Some 28 military personnel from regional security organisations recently participated in the recently concluded Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development (NCOPD) Course hosted by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), in collaboration with the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) and the Regional Security System (RSS). The programme underscores the continued commitment of regional partners to strengthening professional military education and leadership development across Caribbean security forces.
The participants received their certificates at a graduation ceremony at Base Camp Ayanganna, Georgetown, in the presence of Colonel General Staff, Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts, who represented the Chief of Defence Staff, and Brigadier Omar Khan.

Conducted over six weeks, the course brought together 28 participants from the GDF, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and RSS partner nations – Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Kitts and Nevis, and Grenada. The programme forms part of a broader regional initiative aimed at enhancing the leadership capacity and operational effectiveness of non-commissioned officers.
Instruction was delivered by facilitators from WHINSEC and the RSS Training Institute, with the GDF serving as host. The training combined classroom-based professional military education with practical exercises and collaborative learning. Core focus areas included leadership development, communication, decision-making, ethics, human rights and the rule of law – critical competencies for modern military and security environments. Addressing the graduates, Command Sergeant of the United States (US) Army Security Assistance Training Management Organisation, Major Douglas Jones, emphasised that effective leadership is defined by trust, accountability and example rather than rank alone.
He underscored the importance of mentorship, sound decision-making under pressure and adherence to professional standards in shaping capable leaders within the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) corps. The importance of multinational training was also highlighted, with emphasis on its role in strengthening interoperability, fostering professional relationships and reinforcing a shared commitment to regional security and stability.
Deputy Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force, Captain (Navy) Mark Peterson, on behalf of the RSS, further underscored the central role of non-commissioned officers in translating strategic intent into operational outcomes. He noted that in an evolving regional security environment, characterised by transnational crime, illegal trafficking, maritime threats and disaster response demands, modern NCOs must demonstrate both technical competence and strong leadership.
GDF Force Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One Christopher Harmon encouraged graduates to uphold the standards and principles reinforced during the course, stressing that leadership must be consistently demonstrated through discipline, professionalism and example. The successful completion of the NCOPD course marks another step in advancing professional military education within the region and strengthening collaboration among Caribbean security forces. The GDF has reaffirmed its commitment to developing capable leaders and enhancing regional security partnerships.