Veterans anticipate conferral of legal status
President of the Guyana Veterans Legion Lieutenant-Colonel (ret’d.) George Gomes lays a wreath.
President of the Guyana Veterans Legion Lieutenant-Colonel (ret’d.) George Gomes lays a wreath.

VETERANS are anticipating the tabling and enactment of the Veterans Act 2020 and the establishment of a Veterans Commission as recently announced by Commander-in-Chief President David Granger.

This was disclosed by President of the Guyana Veterans Legion Lieutenant-Colonel (ret’d) George Gomes during his remarks at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony which was held on Friday.

Attended by serving officers and ranks, former Chiefs-of-Staff and other former officers, and scores of ex-GDF servicemen and women, the ceremony was held at the Veterans Monument at Base Camp Ayanganna.

Acting Chief-of-Staff, Quartermaster General Colonel Godfrey Bess and other senior military officers interact with veterans.

Gomes explained that, with the passing of the Act and the establishment of the Commission, legal status would accrue to all GDF veterans. This, he said, would allow for national budgetary allocations to be made in service to the veterans’ community.
He thanked the GDF for its continued support of the Veterans Rest Home, but called for abolition of the fees for accommodation of veterans at the facility.

Gomes said some 111 veterans live as “shut-ins” and suffer a range of debilitating illnesses and specialist medical care is needed for those former military personnel.

Meanwhile, Quartermaster General Colonel Godfrey Bess, who is currently performing the functions of chief-of-staff, lauded the service of the veterans during his address to the assemblage.

He said: “Guyana remains a unitary and indivisible state because of the courage, competence and commitment of those who served in the military. The suppression of the Rupununi Rebellion and the defence of the New River Triangle, exemplified your military proficiency. Without your selfless service and commitment to the development of this noble institution, we would not be where we are today! It is for this reason that we salute you. Thank you for your service!”

Colonel Bess also recognised that officers and ranks who serve today, have much to glean from the demonstrated bravery of the veterans, even as the force marches steadfastly into the future.

“You served with distinction. You wore your uniforms with pride and dignity, and your moral values are our strength,” he said, before presenting the GDF’s pledge of $1,000,000M (one million dollars) to President of the Guyana Veterans legion, Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d) George Gomes.

After the wreath-laying ceremony, the veterans lunched with the uniformed officers and ranks.

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