By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly news|
In a powerful tribute to nearly six decades of female service, Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan reaffirmed that bravery, leadership, and dedication are qualities that transcend gender. Speaking at the 59th Anniversary celebration of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Women’s Army Corps (WAC) on Tuesday, Brigadier Khan celebrated the evolution of women from reserve roles to frontline leaders.
The anniversary honors the legacy of the “First Four” pioneers who officially entered the force in January 1967, paving the way for the thousands of women who serve today.
A Legacy of Trailblazers: The First Four
Brigadier Khan reflected on the pivotal moment in January 1967 when the GDF expanded its ranks to include women as a direct response to manpower shortages following Venezuela’s seizure of Ankoko Island.
The Pioneers of 1967:
- Captain Joan Granger (First CO): A teacher who became the first female officer and led the first all-female parade.
- Second Lieutenant Brenda Aaron: Led the first female contingent in Guyana’s inaugural Independence Anniversary march.
- Second Lieutenant Hyacinth King: A teacher who transitioned into a distinguished military career.
- Second Lieutenant Clarissa Hookumchand: An income tax clerk who became a foundational member of the Corps.
“When those very same first women laced their boots, Guyana laced its future,” Brigadier Khan remarked. “They paved the journey of distinguished service alongside our men serving our country.”
The “Triple A Posture”: Modern Military Leadership
Looking toward the future, the Chief of Defence Staff challenged female officers to adopt what he called the “Triple A Posture”—a leadership philosophy designed for the modern security landscape.
- Awareness: Being fully conscious of shifting national priorities and emerging security threats.
- Agility: Maintaining the ability to make rapid, effective decisions in high-pressure environments.
- Adaptability: Evolving with the demands of the modern force, from cybersecurity to operational field command.
Moving Beyond Stereotypes
Brigadier Khan emphasized that women are no longer confined to the clerical or medical roles of the 1960s. Today, women serve in every facet of the GDF, including operations, administration, and high-level command. He pointed to the recent achievements of Colonel Lorraine Foster, who in 2025 became the first female officer to complete strategic defence training at the U.S. National Defence University.
Key Themes of the Anniversary:
- Standards: Rooting leadership in values that do not “shift with trends.”
- Resilience: Building a “fortitude that can withstand storms.”
- Support Systems: Acknowledging that a woman’s success in the force is a collective victory for the entire military family.
