New Chief-of-Staff promises recapitalisation of force

Colonel George Lewis was on Monday promoted to Brigadier General and sworn-in as Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

The new Chief-of-Staff told media operatives that several areas have been identified to be improved which are currently being discussed with the Guyana Defence Board.

“Well you know our mandate is to provide border defence. We have some challenges there which we definitely have to work on. It may involve some amount of recapitalisation, acquisition of new equipment and so on, but we’re in discussion with the Guyana Defence Board, we’ve identified issues and we’re working to resolve them” Lewis said.

Lewis took the oath of office before his immediate family and senior members of the GDF at the Force’s Headquarters, Camp Ayanganna where he was also decorated with his new badge of rank by Commander-in-Chief President David Granger and outgoing Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips.

Phillips will be heading into retirement after 30 odd years as a military serviceman.

President Granger thanked Brigadier Mark Phillips for his contributions during his three- year tenure. Philips served as Chief-of-Staff from August 2013 to October 2016; during which time the President said that the Defence Board was satisfied with his work.

Col Lewis’ promotion was approved by the Guyana Defence Board at its Wednesday, September 28, 2016, meeting.

The promotion and swearing in were done in accordance with the succession policy of the Guyana Defence Force.

Col Lewis enlisted in the force as a cadet on September 01, 1981.