Col Nazrul Hussain appointed as Director-General of CDC

Prime Minister, Mark Phillips, on Tuesday officially announced the appointment of Colonel (Ret’d) Nazrul Hussain as Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

Phillips made the announcement during an officiating ceremony at the CDC headquarters in Thomas Lands.

It was revealed that Colonel Hussain, who retired in 2019, has 35 years of service in the Guyana Defence Force. He is trained and has both local and overseas experience in disaster management.

Further, the experienced Hussain also functions as the Director of the Covid-19 Task Force Secretariat.

Colonel Hussain during Tuesday’s ceremony, pledged to “do my best as the Director General”.

The Prime Minister, under whose purview the CDC falls, said that Guyana’s development drive would bring new challenges to the Commission and that the CDC would continue to play an important role in navigating the country through those challenges.

Phillips disclosed that Colonel Hussain brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new portfolio and is committed to strengthening disaster risk management and the functions of the commission.

It was noted that the occasion was also used by the PM to underscore the importance of the commission, the scope of its work and the teamwork needed to execute its objectives.

Phillips, who is currently fulfilling the role of President, also expressed the Government’s appreciation to the outgoing Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, who retired earlier this year.

“As the Prime Minister with the responsibility for disaster risk management in Guyana, I would personally like to thank Colonel Craig for his service not only to the Guyana Defence Force, but also to the Civil Defence Commission. We are thankful for his service, particularly as Director General before he chose to retire,” Phillips said.

The PM added that Major Loring Benons would continue to serve as the Commission’s Deputy Director-General.