The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) held the Graduation and Commissioning Ceremony for its first Officer Candidate Training Course (OCTC 01/25) at Camp Blizzard on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the Force’s institutional development and succession planning strategy.

Twelve members of the Defence Force were commissioned as officers following the successful completion of the intensive twelve-week programme. The cohort comprised ten Officer Cadets, one Staff Sergeant, and one Warrant Officer, all of whom satisfied the academic, leadership, and physical requirements of the course.

The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda and Commander-in-Chief of the ABDF, as well as the Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, along with senior government officials, members of the Defence Force, and proud family members and supporters.

Government officials with ABDF Graduates

Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Telbert Benjamin, described the initiative as a historic and deliberate step in strengthening the ABDF’s leadership pipeline. The programme was specifically designed to prepare future officers and to address succession planning as a central mission priority rather than as an afterthought. In so doing, the Force continues to modernize its leadership framework and reinforce institutional continuity.

The Officer Candidate Training Course covered a comprehensive curriculum, including leadership principles, tactical and operational planning, military law and ethics, as well as drill and ceremonial protocols. The training combined intellectual rigour with physical discipline and command responsibility, equipping participants for the demands of commissioned leadership.

In his congratulatory remarks, His Excellency underscored the solemn responsibility associated with commissioned rank. “Today is not merely a ceremonial moment,” he stated. “It represents discipline tested, endurance strengthened, and character refined.”

He reminded the newly commissioned officers that leadership demands integrity, steadiness under pressure, and example. “Rank gives authority. Character earns respect,” the Governor General affirmed, charging the officers to serve with honour, humility, and courage.

Officer Cadet Lenniel Bethune distinguished himself as Honour Graduate and also received the Physical Fitness Achievement Award. Officer Dylan James earned the Academic Achievement Award, while Officer Cadet Gamoy Baker received the Drill and Ceremonial Achievement Award.

The ceremony also included the promotion of Lieutenant Oen Thomas and Lieutenant Doctor Sujay Gore, further strengthening the Force’s command structure.

Officers who successfully completed the programme will now transition into middle management roles, reinforcing operational capacity and leadership depth within the Defence Force.

Government officials with ABDF Graduates

The ABDF continues to treat training and education at all levels with the utmost seriousness. Currently, no fewer than one hundred members of the Defence Force are pursuing university-level studies, reflecting the institution’s sustained commitment to professional development, strategic competence, and national service.

On behalf of the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, joined by Her Excellency Lady Williams, extended warm congratulations to the graduates and commended the leadership and instructors of the Defence Force for their continued dedication to excellence.

The commissioning of this inaugural Officer Candidate Training Course cohort represents a defining step in strengthening the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force and safeguarding the nation’s future.