CAPTAIN Gerry Gouveia, on behalf of Roraima Airways, hosted a Christmas lunch for ex-army members at Duke Lodge, in Duke Street, Kingston, Georgetown, yesterday.

He said it was a token of his appreciation for their service to Guyana and several men and women were entertained to a sumptuous meal and drinks.
Among the guests were Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Mark Phillips, who conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for the gesture by Gouveia.
The host, in his remarks, said he was happy to have the veterans and it was his way of saying thank you to them for their dedication and contribution to Guyana during their Army days.
He added that he was moved by their selflessness in which, during the holidays when most people were with their families, those men and women were posted in interior locations.
Gouveia explained that some of them he flew to those destinations and told himself that, when he could afford it, he would do something for them.
Before they lunched, the veterans recalled their time in the military and the roles they played back then, detailing their various experiences and tendered their gratitude to Gouveia.

VERY PLEASED
President of the Ex-GDF Association, retired Colonel George Gomes said he was very pleased with the support to his organisation by Gouveia, stating that, every month, for the past four years they have been receiving a cheque.
He challenged others to do similarly and make a tangible contribution to the association because the veterans, most of whom are impaired, need their assistance.
Meanwhile, Chief of Staff Phillips said he was happy to meet and interact with the veterans, some of whom served alongside him and he acknowledged their valued service to Guyana.
Gouveia presented a sample collection of stamps to him as a token of appreciation noting that his wife, Debra Gouveia, was one of the first women in Guyana aviation and the stamp was conceptualised in her honour.