Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and President of Guyana David Granger said military service men and women must be guaranteed a comfortable and dignified retirement as he pumped $4.8 Million into the Guyana Veterans Legion.At the time he was delivering the feature presentation at a ceremony held at Guyana Veterans’ Legion headquarters, Coghlan House, in observance of Remembrance Day.
Of the grand total, the President being a member of the Guyana Veterans’ Legion contributed $1 million, while Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo (in absentia) contributed an additional $1.8 million, some of which was due via a state subvention.
For repairs and maintenance to Coghlan House another $1 million was donated, while the sum of $1 million was set aside to offset expenses incurred by the National Veterans’ Resting House in Lamaha Springs.
As a long-term commitment on the part of the government, President Granger announced that the Guyana Veterans’ Legion would benefit from an annual state subvention with effect from 2016.
“We do not see this as a reward for past services. We see it as an investment in the future, so that young entrants in the Defence Force must know that they can look forward to a comfortable and dignified retirement,” the President said.
National Veterans’ Commission

In addition to the financial assistance offered, the government in keeping with its mandate to provide better lives for veterans, will be rolling out a number of initiatives, starting with the convening of a National Veterans’ Commission.
He recalled that as the Leader of the Opposition, he moved a motion in the National Assembly on November 21, 2013 calling for the establishment of a National Veterans’ Commission, adding that though it became Resolution No. 60, it was never assented to by then President Donald Ramotar.
“That Commission will be convening on the 21st November, 2015, exactly two years after the resolution was passed in the National Assembly and never assented to and now it has been.”
The National Veterans’ Commission will examine the conditions under which veterans live and work, and will subsequently make the requisite recommendations aimed at improving their lives.
Additionally, President Granger disclosed that a Veteran Trust will be established to raise and maintain funds for continued education, training and settlement of veterans in society. The trust will also seek to procure land for housing and agricultural purposes on behalf of veterans.
He said that already the Veterans’ Administrative Department has taken shape at Base Camp Ayanganna, noting that his government will support a “well-staffed, well equipped” unit which will ensure that veterans and their families receive their entitlements.
It was pointed out that the passage of the Veterans’ Act will ensure that such entitlements are guaranteed and secured under the law.
“The State acknowledges and accepts its obligation to assist our veterans to ensure that they, too, can enjoy a good life. The State will help to open opportunities for veterans when they leave active military service,” he said.
Other donations
In addition to the government, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) donated $1million, the Guyana Fire Service – $25,000, the Guyana Prison Service – $100,000, City Constabulary $100,000 and former Chief-of-Staff Rear Admiral Gary Best –$50, 000, in recognition of the selfless service offered by veterans in protecting Guyana’s territorial integrity. Other financial pledges were also made by those present.
Members of the Diplomatic Corps including British High Commissioner Greg Quinn, Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force Mark Phillips, President of the Legion George Gomes and the Legion’s General Secretary Kingsley Nelson were among those present at Coghlan House, paying homage to those men and women who died during World Wars I and II.
Remembrance Day also known as Poppy Day is a Memorial Day observed by members of the Commonwealth in recognition of the noble men and women who would have lost their lives in the line of duty during World Wars I and II.

By Svetlana Marshall