Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Robeson Benn, M.P., has joined His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Hon. Mark Phillips, members of the cabinet, members of the diplomatic corps, Heads of the Joint Services and special invitees, at the change of command parade between Brigadier Godfrey Bess, MSS and newly appointed Brigadier Omar Khan, MSM.

Prior to the parade, President Ali presided over Brigadier Omar Khan’s swearing-in ceremony as the 12th Chief of Staff.

The Head of State lauded Brigadier Bess’ service during the significant ceremony, stating that his service was “exceptionally, faithfully, and truthfully” done with a high degree of professionalism.

The President further expressed full confidence in Brigadier Khan, noting that he has the necessary skills, competence, loyalty, and love of country required to excel as a Chief of Staff.

Additionally, he emphasized and gave the new GDF Chief of Staff the assurance of the government of Guyana’s unwavering support.

Outgoing Brigadier Godfrey Bess, MSS, joined the Guyana Defence Force in January 1990 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on December 3, 1990, after completing Standard Officers Course No. 21 at the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School.

During the course of his career, Brigadier Bess served in Command, Administrative, Staff and Training appointments throughout the GDF, from Platoon Commander to Officer Commanding in the First Infantry Battalion, the 31 Special Forces Squadron and the Military Police Department and Commanding Officer in the 3 Composite Battalion, amongst others.

He most recently held the positions of Head of the Defence Secretariat, Office of the President, and Colonel Administration and Quartering. In the former position, which he held from January 2018 to June 30, 2020, he was in charge of making sure the GDF had the tools necessary to complete its duty regardless of the time of day or night or the terrain.

Brigadier Bess is a Level 2 Chartered Accountant, certified by the Association of Chartered Accountants. In addition, he is the holder of a Bachelor of Social Science Degree in Business Management from the University of Guyana.