GDF ranks earn prestigious local and international certifications

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) continues to invest heavily in the professional development of its ranks, celebrating recent accomplishments in both the medical and logistics fields that significantly strengthen the Force’s operational readiness and support capabilities.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, and officers and ranks of the GDF have extended congratulations to four servicemen whose academic achievements mark an important milestone in the Force’s modernisation and capacity-building efforts.
At the national level, Corporals (CPL) Edem Roseval and Teo Lindey, along with Able Rating (AR) Mark Bharret, successfully completed specialised training through the Ministry of Health. Their qualifications are set to enhance the GDF’s ability to deliver efficient medical services to its members.
CPL Roseval, after a year of rigorous study, earned his Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate, equipping him with critical diagnostic skills that will bolster the Medical Corps’ ability to provide timely and accurate health support.
Meanwhile, CPL Lindey and AR Bharret completed the Pharmacy Assistant Certificate programme, an intensive nine-month course covering Pharmacology (Parts 1 and 2), Good Dispensing Practices, Communication, the Health Care System, Computer Skills, and Store Management. The programme also included hands-on training at health facilities, giving participants the chance to apply their skills in real-world environments.
AR Bharret distinguished himself by graduating with honours, placing second in his cohort and receiving an award from the Ministry of Health for his exceptional performance.
The significance of these accomplishments was underscored by the attendance of Lieutenant Colonel Dr Nigel Langhorne, Commanding Officer of the GDF Medical Corps, who personally commended the graduates for their dedication and success.
“With these professional qualifications, the ranks are now better positioned to make more meaningful contributions within their respective departments,” the Force stated, adding that the new certifications will strengthen its medical support capabilities and improve the overall quality of care provided to GDF members.

International success
On the international stage, Captain Jermis Batson successfully completed the Logistics Staff Officer Course at the People’s Liberation Army Joint Logistics Support Force University of Engineering in Chongqing, People’s Republic of China.
The prestigious programme, which ran from September 1, 2024, to July 8, 2025, is considered one of the most comprehensive in the field of operational logistics. It brought together military professionals from 48 nations, providing a platform for knowledge exchange, international cooperation, and advanced training.
Captain Batson’s curriculum covered critical areas such as logistics command and control, sustainment planning at the brigade and regiment levels, logistics defence tactics, equipment maintenance and support systems, and modern network-based logistics frameworks. The course combined classroom lectures with scenario-based simulations and field exercises, preparing participants to support complex operations under diverse and demanding conditions.
Graduating with the designation of Qualified Logistics Staff Officer (QLSO), Captain Batson’s achievement is a significant boost to the Force’s operational capacity. His training equips him to play a vital role in sustaining deployments across Guyana’s interior and border regions, where logistics and endurance remain mission critical.
“This young officer’s achievement speaks to the GDF’s broader commitment to building a modern, capable, and future-ready officer corps,” the Force said. “His expertise will support the continued development of logistics doctrine, the effective execution of operational planning, and the strengthening of institutional readiness in response to the evolving regional security landscape.”
Beyond strengthening Guyana’s operational readiness, Captain Batson’s success has also deepened military cooperation with China. His performance reflects the strong bonds of partnership between the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the People’s Republic of China, particularly in the areas of professional military education and strategic defence planning.
The GDF also expressed appreciation to the PLA Joint Logistics Support Force University of Engineering and the Government of China for their hospitality and the high-quality training provided throughout the programme.
Together, these achievements highlight the GDF’s twin approach to development: advancing technical and medical capabilities at home, while also investing in strategic international training opportunities. By supporting its personnel in pursuing both specialised certifications and advanced leadership qualifications, the Force is building a corps of professionals prepared to respond to the complex challenges of modern defence.
“The Guyana Defence Force remains committed to the professional advancement of its members, recognising that investing in their knowledge and skills is vital to meeting the evolving demands of both the Force and the nation it serves,” the Force reaffirmed.