Guyana: President Ali attends Commissioning Dinner

Guyana: Dr Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, attended the Commissioning Dinner for ranks who graduated the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Standard Officer Course (SOC) 53 and Reserve Officer Course (ROC) 17 last night at Base Camp Ayanganna.

The courses were completed by 67 individuals, including members of the Joint Services. Of the lot, 27 graduated from the SOC (19 were from the GDF, four from the Guyana Police Force and two each from the Guyana Prison Service and the Guyana Fire Service).

Forty cadets did the ROC 17 course.

Chief of Staff of the GDF – Brigadier Godfrey Bess, as well as National Security Advisor Captain Gerry Gouveia and were also at the event.

Furthermore, President Irfaan Ali and First Lady Mrs Arya Ali introduced the Girls Only Self Defence Class under the ‘One Guyana’ initiative this morning at State House.

The programme, which caters for girls 11-18 years of age, is designed to not only teach the art of self-defence but to impart lifelong skills and discipline and assist in improving their self-confidence.

In addition, participants will also be given the opportunity to interact with members of the Cabinet, career diplomats as well as members of the Guyana Police Force and Fire Service during their lessons.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Honourable Charles Ramson Jr; Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues; senior members of the Guyana Police Force as well as the young female participants and their parents were also at State House.

More than 300 young ladies have already registered for the programme.

The classes will be held at State House and will be facilitated three times per week during August.