The Chief of Defence Staff, along with officers and ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), extends warm congratulations to Lieutenant Colonel Jaime Castello, who has made history as the first GDF officer to successfully complete a series of advanced military and academic programmes in France.
Lieutenant Colonel Castello graduated from the renowned École de Guerre (War College) in Paris, where he completed the Brevet d’études militaires supérieures (BEMS), a senior officer programme designed for individuals demonstrating exceptional command capabilities, leadership, and strategic thinking in complex military environments.
In addition to the BEMS, Castello earned the RNCP Level 8 Certification from the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, which confirms his mastery in strategic leadership, management, and command. He also completed the Cours élémentaire de Langue française 2025, achieving DELF A1 level proficiency in French, showcasing his commitment to cultural and linguistic adaptability in modern defence diplomacy.
Crowning his accomplishments, Lieutenant Colonel Castello graduated with distinction from Université Paris-Panthéon-Assas, earning a Diplôme National de Master (master’s degree) in Law, Economics, and Management with a specialization in International Relations.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for the GDF, as no other officer has previously undertaken or completed this combination of training. It underscores the Force’s commitment to developing a globally competent Officer Corps capable of navigating complex strategic environments.
Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, commended Lieutenant Colonel Castello’s performance, noting that it is a proud moment for the GDF. “Lt Col Castello’s success at one of the world’s most respected military institutions reflects the high standards we expect within our Officer Corps. He has flown the flag of Guyana with distinction, and we look forward to the valuable expertise and global perspective he brings to the continued advancement of our Force.”
This milestone symbolizes the GDF’s strengthening international military partnerships and its unwavering investment in excellence through education and leadership development.
Well done, Lieutenant Colonel Castello!
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