GDF strengthens senior leadership capacity

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has concluded its Warrant Officers’ Development Programme, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the leadership capacity of its senior non-commissioned officers and investing in the continued development of personnel responsible for maintaining standards, discipline and professional excellence across the Force. Over a three-week period, 10 Warrant Officers Class Two from units across the GDF participated in the programme, which was designed to enhance their effectiveness as senior leaders and prepare them for increased responsibilities associated with higher levels of military leadership.
The programme was directed by Major Oral Thom and facilitated by former Force Sergeants Major, Warrant Officers Class One (Ret’d) William Richmond and Raul Rodney. Drawing on decades of military experience and institutional knowledge, the facilitators provided practical insights into the demands of senior leadership within the profession of arms. Training was delivered across four key areas: Leadership, Management, Policy and Accountability, and Military Systems, Procedures and Protocols. These areas were intended to strengthen participants’ capacity to lead and mentor subordinates, manage personnel and resources effectively, uphold accountability and professional standards and ensure the proper implementation of established military systems and procedures. Participants also benefited from presentations delivered by Force Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Class One Christopher Harmon and guest lecturers from several branches and departments within the Force, including Welfare, Medical, Finance, Intelligence, Legal Services and General Staff. The sessions provided perspectives on contemporary issues affecting military leadership and reinforced the broad range of responsibilities expected of Warrant Officers in today’s operational environment.
Delivering the feature address at Friday’s closing ceremony, Colonel General Staff, Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts, MSM, who is performing the duties of Chief of Defence Staff, spoke on the concept of “stewardship of the profession,” highlighting the role of Warrant Officers in preserving the values, standards and traditions that underpin military service.
“Stewardship of the profession means accepting responsibility for the standards by which the Guyana Defence Force is judged. As Warrant Officers, you are the custodians of our discipline, our accountability, our regimentation and our professional ethos. The example you set today will determine the standard of leadership and soldiering that follows tomorrow,” he said. Colonel Roberts further encouraged Warrant Officers to lead by example in all aspects of military life, stressing that conduct, bearing, physical fitness and commitment to standards directly influence both subordinates and the wider culture of the Force. He noted that military institutions are strengthened when experienced leaders consistently embody the values and professional standards they are entrusted to uphold.
The GDF said the successful completion of the programme reflects its ongoing investment in developing competent, professional and adaptable leaders capable of mentoring future generations of soldiers, safeguarding institutional standards, and contributing to an operationally ready Force prepared to meet current and emerging challenges.