Ex-Army bosses back first woman Colonel

FORMER Chief of Defence Staff Major General Ralph Brown yesterday described the promotion of Sharon Alfonso to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel as long overdue. He added that Alfonso, the first woman to be elevated to the position, is qualified and in the chain of command, should have been promoted long ago. “She is quite an efficient person, and I don’t see any reason why she should not be promoted,” Brown said. Commodore Anthony Franklin, former Chief of Defence Staff who is now chairman of the Institute of Marine Affairs, agreed with Brigadier Brown that the promotion of Alfonso was long overdue.

“It had to happen at some point in time. She is a very good soldier,” said Franklin, who said when he worked with her she was always very efficient. Former National Security Minister Joseph Theodore, also a former Chief of Defence Staff, said he was present when Alfonso was recruited and remembers her as a determined person who had made up her mind to make the Army her career. He commended her for reaching the rank and said he expects her to continue to function at a very high level. Last Friday, National Security Minister Martin Joseph handed out letters of promotion in the top rank to Alfonso and nine of her male counterparts at a ceremony at Coast Guard headquarters.