…as President Ali installed as patron of Guyana Veterans Legion
The Government of Guyana is working to develop “a special programme” to assist members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) with housing.
This announcement was made by President Irfaan Ali at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Veteran’s Monument, on the front lawn of the GDF’s Base Camp Ayanganna.
The President, who also presented a cheque of $1.5M to the Guyana Veterans Legion (GVL) of which he was made a Patron, said his Government will work fervently to upgrade the living standards of those in the Force as of next year.
“We’re working now to ensure that the housing needs of our men and women in uniform are realised while they are still at a young age …We’re developing a special programme to assist them in this and I’m sure that very early next year they will start to benefit from the results of this programme,” Ali said.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces said too that he was happy to see that there were already several officers of the GDF, including Brigadier Gary Beaton, who are serving on state boards.
“The talent that exists within the army is amazing… as Commander in Chief I intend to unleash this talent as part of our national development drive …We intend to continue to expand this, because the talent is there, the commitment is there and we will reach deep to embrace that talent and commitment for national development,” he said.
President Ali said that it is important that service men and women are treated with respect noting that, “We have to build a new culture, in our country, of respect and adoration for our men and women in uniform. You see it when you travel and I think that would come about with a strong bond we’re trying to create between the army and the communities”.
Chief of Staff of the GDF Brigadier Godfrey Bess welcomed the Government’s support of the Force and noted that the President’s commitments to the Force will ensure the personal and professional development of all ranks.
“The Guyana Defence Force will continue to provide opportunities for personal and professional development, our Commander in Chief…has approved scores of scholarships for our troops to attend overseas and local academic institutions. He also has committed to looking at the allowances paid to our ranks with a view of increasing them. These opportunities will provide the foundations for our soldiers that allow them to remain productive citizens after they retire from military service” Bess said.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff also made a monetary contribution to the GVL as he paid tribute to the veterans. The funds were garnered from donations from each serving member of the GDF.
“On this day we look back with pride and grateful hearts, we are proud because you chose to endure the hardship and to build what we are enjoying today. We are grateful because you sacrificed so much,” Bess said.
Monetary contributions were also made by Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, and Maurice Gajadhar, A.A who pledged $500,000 each.
