The Guyana Defence Force recently held a Change of Command Ceremony at its Headquarters in Ayanganna, Georgetown, Guyana. At the ceremony, Chief of Staff Brigadier Godfrey Best handed over command to Brigadier Omar Khan. Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, the Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, attended the ceremony and spoke about the importance of continuity for Defence Engagement between the Guyana Defence Force and the Belize Coast Guard. Bennett thanked Brigadier Godfrey Best for his support in allowing officers of the Belize Coast Guard to train at the Guyanese Military Academy and for facilitating Coast Guard scholarships to the University of Guyana. In the past four years, five commissioned officers have graduated from the Guyana Standard Officer Course, and one is currently pursuing a Masters in Strategic Leadership at the University of Guyana.
During their discussion, Rear Admiral Elton Bennett and incoming Chief of Staff Brigadier Omar Khan found common ground in their leadership philosophy, which emphasizes balancing the needs of people and mission. They both also shared an understanding of regional threats, as well as a desire to improve regional security and stability by utilizing the military to support national development. Brigadier Omar Khan expressed his support for career courses to be offered to members of the Belize Coast Guard at various levels in Guyana. Notably, both Rear Admiral Elton Bennett and Brigadier Omar Khan graduated from the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom as part of the Class of 2017.