President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Thursday promoted Colonel Omar Khan to the rank of Brigadier and presented him with his instrument of appointment to perform the functions of Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force.
The baton was passed in the presence of the Commander of Chief of the Armed Forces during a simple ceremony held at his Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown Office.
In a statement issued by the GDF, it was noted that the two-fold ceremony also saw the President confirming Brigadier Godfrey Bess as the 11th Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force.
Bess acted in the role since June 2020 but was never confirmed. The confirmation came one day before he heads off into retirement.
The appointment was made in keeping with the Head of State exercising his powers as Minister of Defence vested within the Defence Act.
Brigadier Bess will officially hand over command to Brigadier Khan during a change of command parade on Friday.
Khan, 51, headed the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA); he has been serving in that position since 2020.
Aside from various leadership roles, he has been serving in the military for a number of years.
When contacted by the News Room on Wednesday, Colonel Khan said, he is ready to serve.
“I am truly honoured to render military service to our beautiful country. I have been doing this for over three decades. The appointment of Chief of Staff will allow me to continue this service.”
