Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Defence Minister Wayne Sturge officiated a significant military promotion ceremony at the Red House in Port of Spain on October 31. The event marked the elevation of former naval captain Don Polo to the rank of commodore and former Lt Col Dwayne Edwards to colonel. Polo assumed the role of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on October 7, succeeding Air Vice Marshal Darryl Daniel, whose contract was terminated by President Christine Kangaloo following consultations with the Prime Minister and Defence Minister. Daniel had served as CDS for six years, with two extensions granted by the previous administration. Edwards, now a colonel, took command of the regiment on October 14, replacing Col Keston Charles, who was placed on leave. The ceremony also saw the wives of the promoted officers pinning their new rank insignia. Additionally, naval officer Akenathon Isaac was promoted to captain and appointed commanding officer of the Coast Guard, succeeding Polo. Isaac’s promotion, along with Edwards’, was effective from October 10, though Isaac was absent from the ceremony. The Ministry of Defence emphasized that the decision to terminate Daniel’s service was made after thorough deliberation and would not impact the operational effectiveness of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force.