President passes T&T defence torch to Brig. Maharaj

File: Brig. Maharaj with Defence Minister John Sandy

President Max Richards passed Trinidad & Tobago's defence torch to Brigadier Kenrick Maharaj, urging the new defence chief to do all in his power to protect the country's borders from illicit drug-traders.

Richards made the point at the handing over parade in honour of outgoing Brigadier General Roland Maundy at the Teteron Barracks, Chaguaramas.

The President said the country is in peril and told the Defence Force members now is the time to re-commit to the fight against enemies of this country.

"The role of Brigadier Maharaj and the men and women under his command, is clear in this regard and effort must be unrelenting in defending our sovereignty because it is in peril," Richards said.

Brigadier General Maundy passed the leadership of the Defence Force to incoming Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Kenrick Maharaj.

"I will continue to lead an institution that will deliver to this country the best of human and material resources. I will continue to deliver to the State a military organisation defined by its core value of courage, loyalty, integrity, mutual respect and discipline," the new defence chief pledged.

Brigadier Maundy served for 33 years. In his parting speech he told defence personnel to stay true to the tenets of duty, honour, and loyalty to country.

"I charge you all to use these as the building blocks upon which your service is planted. Use them as the bedrock upon which your mental, physical strengths are focused as you continue in your duty," he said.