“More needs to be done to help our Veterans, they have served us with distinction and need not just be remembered but be cared for.” This call was made by Major General (ret’d) Capt. Gerald Gouveia and CEO of Roraima Airways at the Roraima Airways 6th annual Veterans Luncheon held Tuesday at the Roraima Duke Lodge.

The Veteran’s Luncheon, which started six years ago, has become an integral part of Roraima’s Christmas tradition, a release from the company noted.

Capt. Gouveia also added; “Serving in the military was the building block for us Veterans and together, we are grateful to the Government for giving us the opportunity to serve.”

The veteran’s associations that participated in the Roraima Veterans Luncheon were the Guyana Veterans Legion and the Millicent Greaves Citizens Home.

In addition to Capt. Gouveia, other senior retired Guyana Defence Force Officers and Private Sector leader addressed the large audience such as; the President of the Guyana Veterans Legion, Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d) George Grooms, Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d) and Director-General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Egbert Fields, Colonel (ret’d) Desmond Roberts, Ministerial Advisor, Basil Blackman, Vice-President of the Private Sector commission, Desmond Sears and President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vishnu Doerga.

Special recognition was given to one of Guyana’s oldest veteran Private Soldier, Lloyd DeFreitas, who served in World War II for his outstanding bravery in that war and contribution to the Veteran Clan. Private Soldier Lloyd DeFreitas is now 93 years old.

The Veterans were treated to lunch, entertainment, presents and a chance to participate in Karaoke as part of Roraima’s Christmas package to them.