Women soldiers reminded: ‘Service before self is non-negotiable’

Guyana Defence Force Commanding Officer Colonel Lorraine Foster on Tuesday reaffirmed that “service before self is non-negotiable.”
She was speaking at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Women’s Army Corps’ (WAC) 59th anniversary celebrations.
Addressing a Thanksgiving Service at Base Camp Ayanganna, Foster urged serving and retired members to uphold high standards and prepare to meet present and future challenges. She emphasised that women soldiers’ duty, dedication, and service are equal to those of their male counterparts, and that they must be operationally relevant, mentally resilient, and disciplined.
Foster said the anniversary was both a moment of reflection and a call to action. She encouraged the force to maintain an environment free from discrimination or abuse of authority, while stressing that standards must be met by all members.
“Women have served with distinction for nearly six decades, challenging convention and proving their right to stand shoulder to shoulder with their peers,” Foster said, rejecting any notion of “sympathy-based” promotions.
Chief of Staff Brigadier Omar Khan also paid tribute to the contributions of women in the force, highlighting that the WAC demonstrates the military’s reliance on personnel as well as equipment. He acknowledged the families who support women in uniform and urged members to remain “rooted in values, standards, and ready in body, mind, and spirit.”