Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Robeson Benn, M.P., joined His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) the Hon. Mark Phillips, at the Guyana Defence Force Commissioning Parade for the Standard Officers’ Course # 54 (SOC54), on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at the Drill Square at Base Camp Ayanganna.

Twenty-seven ensigns were adorned with their new badges of rank for completing the SOC54 by President and Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali.

Cadet Officer Brandon Thomas of the Guyana Prison Service received the coveted Sword of Honour, the Commander-in-Chief prize for the Best Graduating Student. Thomas also won the award for Best Shot. Second Lieutenant Trolston Embrack was adjudged Runner-Up and Best Fitness, while Cadet Officer Ivor Trotz and Second Lieutenant Orin Roache copped the Best Military Knowledge and Best Drills awards, respectively.

Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, the Hon. Dr. Ashni Singh; Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Omar Khan; Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken; Director of Prisons (ag) Nicklon Elliot; Chief Fire Officer (ag) Gregory Wickham; and several high-ranking officials of the Joint Services were also at the parade.