By Wendella Davidson

VETERANS, who served in the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force(GDF), along with seniors with disabilities, were treated to lunch on Thursday by the Roraima Group of Companies; a 10-year tradition through which the company continues to upkeep, as their way of honouring those who served Guyana and at the same time spreading Christmas cheer.

The event, held at the Roraima Duke Lodge, Kingston, is an integral part of the Christmas tradition at Roraima Group of Companies. Over 45 persons drawn from the three institutions, GPF, GDF and the Psalms were treated to a sumptuous meal prepared by Chief Chef, Kevin Gouveia, and presented with gifts. Several of the participants sang Christmas songs, with even a Nat King Cole ballad among the tunes, and recited poems while others, probably too shy because of the television cameras, sat back and enjoyed the atmosphere.
Journalist Colwyn Abrams, also a consultant at the Roraima Group, did a beautiful rendition of “Failing in Love with You” and another song that lent fillip to the occasion.

Host of the event, Captain Gerald Gouveia Jnr., a director of the Roraima Group of Companies, said the event is the Company’s way of sharing the festive season and giving back to those who dedicated their lives and made a noble sacrifice for their country. It is something they look forward to doing yearly.

“We are proud to give back to the community within which we serve and there is no better people to give to than the people who served us as Guyanese people.
Speaking with media operatives, the young pilot spoke of his dad, Captain Gerald (Gerry) Gouveia (Snr), initially serving in the Guyana National Service (GNS) and later joined the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) where he spent 15 years before retiring as a Major. According to him, his father credits much what he has accomplished to date, to being a part of the GNS and the GDF.

And when the idea blossomed a few years back, he thought about giving back to those who served us (the veterans), as such the Roraima Group is forever proud to give back to those who dedicated their lives, made the sacrifices and dedicated their families to Guyana.
He urged corporate bodies and churches to be the future link with the Roraima Group and use the event as a way of honouring and showing appreciation, putting a smile on the faces of those who served us over the years.

Among those on hand to help serve the veterans were Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Roraima Group, Captain Gouveia (Snr); his wife– Captain Debbie Gouveia; Mitra Rajkumar, President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and Wesley Kirton, journalist and business consultant.;

In an invited comment, retired Staff Sergeant, Beverly Somerset, who serves as the Veterans Welfare Officer, said she looks forward to the yearly event at this time of the year, as it evidently brings joy to the veterans.

According to her, many of those who attend the event are usually excited, as most times that is the only event that they go to because of their various aliment. On the other hand, she said she is usually ‘pumped up’ knowing that she is able to help cheer up those of her Joint Services family at this time of the year.

She thanked the administrators of the Roraima Group for their selfless act and wished them all a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2020.

Meanwhile, former soldier, Noel Bobb, a 23-year veteran who later worked as a security guard at the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL), publishers of the Guyana Chronicle newspapers, likened the event at the Duke Lodge to his “happiest moment”, as he is able to meet with some of his “former squaddies’ and reminisce on the good times they used to share. He also used the opportunity to extend Christmas Greetings to the GNNL family and wished them a productive 2020.