–Chief-of-Staff

TWENTY-THREE out of the 79 recommendations of the recently concluded Veterans Commission of Inquiry (CoI) have been implemented, according to Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Patrick West.

Brigadier West was at the time addressing GDF officials and veterans at a Veterans’ Day wreath-laying ceremony, held on Friday at the Veterans’ Monument on the front lawns, Base Camp Ayanganna.

The CoI was commissioned by President David Granger with the aim of ensuring a comfortable and dignified retirement for serving ranks. “The others require some level of cooperation and intervention at the level of the Defence Board and I will say the matter is engaging the attention of the board,” the chief-of-staff said to rousing applause from veterans.

West thanked the veterans for answering the call of duty and the many sacrifices that were made in order to serve. He also called on the private sector to contribute to improving the lives of veterans wherever possible. “I have already communicated our intention to the President Colonel (Ret’d) George Gomes and he has acknowledged that he is willing to put together a party for us to work to ensure that this is realized; I have already spoken to a number of private sector persons on this matter,” he explained

He pledged to acquire funding through the Defence Board to effect much-needed repairs to the Legions building located on Carifesta Avenue. He said the estimated cost for repairs stands at $18M. “We also plan to erect a special memorial right here to honour the victims of the Camp Brooms tragedy, lest we forget,” he said.

Further, he challenged the veterans who have the ability to offer employment to consider improving the lives of former servicemen. The chief-of-staff, reflecting on a meeting with veterans recently pertaining to employment, said the GDF has had a low attrition rate and employing former servicemen is not possible currently.
“But I can say to those persons under 50 years old and who have skills and live in the regions, you can register at the offices of the Guyana People’s Militia and have them record your skill level and availability that when necessary you can be embodied for service,” he advised.

Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Veterans’ Legion, Retired Colonel George Gomes in his remarks, said Veterans’ Day promotes a healthy interaction with veterans and soldiers to exchange experiences to develop the force.
He said that there are currently four World War 11 veterans active in the legion.
Gomes noted that with early retirement, ex-military personnel can start a second career and with discipline and leadership that is much needed in Guyana, these persons are assets to Guyana’s development.

He lashed out at persons critical of President David Granger’s choice to make use of the skills of former officers to execute the work of government. “This is working good for Guyana and we know with these former officers in positions, Guyana is in good hands,” he said.

He said every serving soldier will become a veteran one day and the Guyana Veterans Legion is not an elderly people’s organisation, but it is for all soldiers who left the GDF. “To the soldiers of today, we have valuable experiences and we have traditions which we can pass on to you. Chief-of-Staff, I urge you to make use of us while you still have us, we are prepared to contribute towards the future development of the GDF and its soldiers,” Gomes said.

The Guyana Veterans Legion received another $1M donation for the celebration of Veterans’ Day, as Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Brigadier Patrick West handed over a cheque for $1M to the association. President David Granger did not attend the annual event; Brigadier Patrick West received the salute, which was followed by the last post and then one minute of silence for Guyana’s fallen heroes. Wreaths were then laid by Brigadier Patrick

West and Lt. Colonel (Ret’d) George Gomes. In attendance were retried army officials, Joint Service representatives, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and military representatives from foreign missions in Guyana and special invitees.