… at historic passing out paradeEmbarrassed by the loss of weapons and ammunition from Army stores, Chief of Staff Gary Best yesterday urged new army recruits to help guard the arms stores.For the first time in history, new recruits took part in the traditional “passing out” parade in Georgetown,Wholesale Nike NFL Jerseys, and President Donald Ramotar became only the second Commander-in-Chief, after Forbes Burnham, to address those who completed the Basic Recruitment Course.President Donald Ramotar presents a trophy to best new recruit Selwyn Williams.In 2007, a total of 33 AK-47 assault rifles disappeared from the army headquarters in Georgetown. While some of the weapons were recovered, the Army has never explained how they went missing in the first place.Apart from helping to guard arms and ammunition, the 152 recruits who paraded in the blistering mid-afternoon sun yesterday were also urged upon to help preserve the unity and the foundation of the Army.‘Read and think for yourself,” Commodore Best told the new recruits. He warned them, too, not to abuse their power.Best told them not to be influenced by those who seek to divide them, but to instead listen to those commanding them and stick to the Standard Operating Procedures of the Army.Best said that the soldiers commit to sacrifice their lives for country if needed and he commended them for being willing to make such a sacrifice.The Commodore told the new recruits that their constitutional mandate is to defend the country and work for the maintenance of law and order.He said that the recruits were entering the Army at a time when it is looking to boost both manpower and machinery.According to Commodore Best, while the new recruits are expected to protect the country’s territorial integrity, their role could also involve protecting the country’s fledgling democracy from threats to internal peace and harmony.The Chief of Staff also told the new recruits that they should stand ready to defend the fundamental human rights of Guyanese and to help guarantee their fundamental freedoms while helping to forge a harmonious and multicultural society.Best assured them that if they serve the Army, the Army will serve them, noting that their educational needs would be taken care of.President Ramotar urged them to hold to the reputation of soldiers, and to be role models for young people.He said that the Army needs a steady stream of recruits to occupy various roles in the institution so it can carry out its changing role.He told the intake that their decision to start their careers in the military was a “bold step.”He urged them to take the opportunity to be good soldiers and to remain intellectually and mentally alert.Ramotar said that while the role of the military is ever evolving, what remains constant is its role to defend the country’s sovereignty and its people.A batch of the new Army recruits during their passing out paradeAccording to Ramotar, the military should see and adjust to its changing roles, including getting involved in search and rescue operations and supporting the civilian law enforcement agencies.The President urged the recruits to take on their role with pride and professionalism and to eschew the values of honesty, dedication and loyalty to country.He commended the parents for their “patriotism” in allowing their children to be part of the Army.At yesterday’s ceremony, Selwyn Williams was named the Best Student and he collected his trophy from President Ramotar.
