PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo at the commissioning of the National Veterans Home yesterday committed resources that will be provided as a subvention to support the home’s operations. The home, located at Essequibo Street, Lamaha Springs, has benefited from some $48M in government support to assist its completion.

Jagdeo noted that this is a fraction of the support given to the disciplined forces to ensure the force grows in comfort, capacity and capabilities.

The Head of State pledged continued support to ensure that each member of the disciplined forces realise their potential and, by extension, continue to make contributions to Guyana.

He pointed to the government’s commitment to ensuring that every officer leaving the force does so with a skill.

According to him, senior officers are supported to obtain a degree from the University of Guyana, while junior officers are trained in the area of technical/ vocational education.

“Every officer must leave the force with a skill,” he said.
Jagdeo added that as Guyana’s economy grows and expands, many more opportunities become available for Guyanese.

He stated that if ex-officers can become gainfully employed, they can secure their future and become home owners themselves, eliminating the need to go to rest homes.

On that note, Colonel Rt. Carl Morgan called for the interests of veterans in every region to be addressed, pointing out that similar homes need to be established for those who are in some way disadvantaged.

Morgan said the establishment of the Lamaha Springs facility was a labour of love, adding that it was conceptualized since 1995.

He explained that the idea was received well by those who heard about it, but the major challenge was funding, until the government stepped in with its first contribution of $40M.

Other donors include the late David DeCaires; Mrs. Enid Bissember, who donates each year in memory of the late Major Michael Bisember; the Royal Canadian Legion; Food for the Poor; and ex-soldiers.

The two-storeyed building, with construction started by Frank Gaul Construction Company, was completed by JP Mangal Engineering Services.

According to Morgan, come December 1, the home will be registered as a friendly society.

Guyana Defence Force Chief of Staff, Commodore Gary Best, noted that the disciplined services will continue to work to support veterans, and will continue to lobby for government support – all in the interest of giving back to veterans who had served Guyana and the Guyanese people selflessly.