“Embrace continuous self-education” – Chief of Defence Staff to Senior Warrant Officers

Ten Warrant Officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were on Wednesday honoured for their exceptional military service, having each dedicated more than 27 years of their lives to the defence and development of the nation.
The ceremony, held at the Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Mess, was one of reflection and recognition, celebrating leadership, mentorship, and sacrifice. The most senior among the honourees was recognised for 29 years and three months of service.
During the ceremony, Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan encouraged the officers to embrace continuous self-education and personal development.
Against this backdrop, he lauded the group for their enduring commitment to excellence, challenging them to continue leading by example and to remain sharp through lifelong learning.
Among the honourees was Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Carlyn Dover, the sole female awardee. She reflected that she and her colleagues, like many others within the Warrant Officers’ Corps, had dedicated more than half of their lives to national service, and that this gesture validated their contributions and affirmed that they had served well.
Other decorated Warrant Officers included WO1s Andre Worrel and Selwyn Douglas, both among the longest-serving. Also honoured were WO2s Monty Knights, Michael Joseph, Rudolph Moore, Dwaine Clarke, Hosbort Carmichael, Seon Duncan, and Keon Need.
Together, the 10 Warrant Officers have amassed an astounding 282 years of combined service to the GDF. Remarkably, nine of the 10 remain in active duty, continuing to mentor junior ranks and lead with distinction.
The Brigadier thanked the officers’ families for their unwavering support and underscored the importance of their sacrifices in sustaining the Force’s operations. Brigadier Khan described the event as an important tribute, stating that he was honoured and proud to share in the moment.
The ceremony was attended by several senior officers, including Colonel General Staff, Captain (CG) Vernon Burnett; Adjutant General, Colonel Lloyd Souvenir; Inspector General, Lieutenant Colonel Natasha Stanford-Francis; and Force Sergeant Major William Richmond, who joined the Warrant Officer and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Corps in honouring their own.
As Guyana’s security environment continues to evolve, Brigadier Khan emphasised that institutional memory, seasoned leadership, and disciplined mentorship were more vital than ever.