Caption: Captain Don Polo

THE Government has appointed a new Chief of Defence Staff and promoted senior officers to lead the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment and Coast Guard.

Acting on the advice of the Government, President Christine Kangaloo ORTT appointed Captain Don Polo as Chief of Defence Staff of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF).

Colonel Dwayne Edwards was promoted to Commanding Officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment, and Captain Ahkenathon Issac was appointed Commanding Officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard.

The Instruments of Appointment were presented earlier this week at the Office of the Attorney General Conference Room, AGLA Tower, Government Plaza, Richmond Street, Port of Spain, a release stated on Sunday.

Attorney General John Jeremie SC, Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge and Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander officiated at the ceremony.

The TTDF comprises the Regiment, Coast Guard, Air Guard, and Defence Force Reserves.

The Chief of Defence Staff oversees joint operations and strategy across the services, while the Commanding Officers lead their respective branches’ operational readiness and deployment.

No additional details on the officers’ tenures were provided in the release.