…Omar Khan named Chief-of-Staff as Brigadier Godfrey Bess retires
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will be changing its command on Friday, as Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess heads off on his pre-retirement leave. Colonel Omar Khan is expected to take over at the helm of the GDF as the new Chief-of-Staff.
Guyana Times understands that the official ‘Change of Command’ parade will be held on Friday, April 28.
Prime Minister Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips explained that Brigadier Bess will meet the statutory age of retirement in December 2023.
“But he has terminal leave, so he proceeds on his terminal leave very soon, and that will carry him right into his retirement,” PM Phillips, a former Chief-of-Staff himself, indicated to this newspaper on Wednesday evening.
The 51-year-old Khan, who has over 30 years of service in the GDF, currently heads the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali, told reporters on Wednesday that Khan will step down from his post at NISA when he is appointed as the GDF head.
“You don’t have to worry about [Mr Khan heading two agencies at the same time]. When Mr Khan assumes his new responsibility [as Head of the GDF], of course, we will have other persons taking up that responsibility [at NISA],” the Head of State assured.
Khan took over as the Head of NISA when his predecessor, Bruce Lovell, resigned shortly after the change of Government in 2020.
According to President Ali, his Government is now working on establishing the legislative framework for the agency, which has been in existence over the course of several Governments.
Only earlier this week, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, presented a bill in the National Assembly for the creation of legislation for the National Intelligence and Security Agency.
“I rise to request that Bill number five of 2023, National Intelligence and Security Agency Bill 2023, be read for the first time,” the Attorney General said. Bills have to go through at least three readings before they can be passed.
When it comes to the National Intelligence and Security Agency Bill, provision is made for the creation of an Intelligence Agency that will, among other things, protect Guyana against espionage, terrorism and sabotage.
The agency would also protect against agents within or outside of Guyana, as well as against foreign powers seeking to undermine the state. There is also scope for the agency to collaborate with other foreign agencies in the interest of national security.
The Bill spells out the agency’s functions, which include to “collect information of national intelligence and security interest that provides a basis for decision making and preventative actions; gather, store, process, analyse and disseminate information that is relevant to national intelligence and security; conduct analysis of information of national interest and security interest.”
Additionally, the agency’s functions are to “maintain a national database of information of national intelligence and security; conduct relevant research to enhance efficiency in information management and all matters relating to national intelligence and security; provide national intelligence estimates and intelligence and security advice to the President… provide support to investigations of matters pertaining to threats to national intelligence and security.”
In 2012, under the Donald Ramotar Administration, the Central Intelligence Unit (CIU) was established, and there were calls for there to be legislation to govern this body. However, in 2015, under the David Granger presidency, this unit was integrated into the National Intelligence Security Agency established by the then APNU/AFC Government.
Over the past few weeks, the outgoing Chief-of-Staff has been visiting the various GDF base camps across the country, where farewell ceremonies have been held in his honour. On Wednesday, GDF ranks and civilian employees at Base Camp Ayanganna in Georgetown hosted a similar ceremony for Brigadier Bess.
In his address, Brigadier Bess reflected on his 33 years of service, and the many lessons he learned during his career. According to the Chief-of-Staff, he witnessed many changes as the Force adapted and evolved to meet the threats and challenges of the 21st century.
Brigadier Bess expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve with, and lead, this large body of men and women.
“One of the most valuable lessons I have learned during my career is leadership. As an officer, I had the privilege of leading soldiers and civilians from all walks of life. I learned that leadership is not about rank or authority, but about character and commitment. It is about setting an example, inspiring others, and empowering them to reach their full potential. Leadership is also about taking care of your subordinates and putting their needs above your own. It means being willing to make tough decisions and accepting responsibility for the consequences. And above all, it is about never losing sight of the fact that your subordinates are not just employees, but human beings with families, dreams, and aspirations,” he posited.
The outgoing Chief-of-Staff has said he is grateful for the memories and invaluable skills provided through his military career, adding that service to his country afforded him the opportunity of being part of something greater than himself.
“I look forward to the next chapter of my life, and am excited about spending more time with my family, pursuing new challenges and hobbies and exploring new opportunities. I am proud to have served alongside the brave men and women of the Guyana Defence Force,” he said. (G8)
