-President Ali commends GDF ranks involved in hurricane rebuilding efforts in Jamaica
PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has hailed Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ranks deployed to Jamaica as the country’s “finest representation of patriots”, praising their discipline, professionalism and sacrifice as they assist with hurricane rebuilding efforts.
Addressing the contingent during a virtual engagement on New Year’s Day, President Ali said there was “no better way to start a new year” than by spending time with the men and women serving overseas.
“I can’t think of a better way to start a new year than to be with our finest representation of patriots,” he told the ranks via a zoom call.
The Head of State extended New Year’s greetings to the troops and their families, noting that although they are far from home, they remained firmly in the hearts of the Government and people of Guyana.
President Ali said he had spoken with the Prime Minister of Jamaica and other Jamaican leaders, all of whom have commended the Guyanese contingent for their conduct on the mission.
“Their assessment of your work, your discipline, your commitment, is one that gives us national pride,” he reported
“I want to thank you for the type of leadership, the type of discipline and the culture of brotherhood and the culture of hard work, hard work that you took with you to Jamaica.”
He added: “Your commitment, discipline, and professionalism reflect the highest standards of the GDF and our nation.”
The President stressed that the troops formed an integral part of the GDF’s contribution to regional security and co-operation, describing their deployment as a demonstration of the professionalism and regionalism that now characterize both the Force and the Government of Guyana.
“Continue to keep the banner of the Guyana Defence Force flying high,” he urged, assuring them, “Know that we are with you in spirit and heart.
President Ali along with several other Caribbean community (CARICOM) leaders had visited the island back in November following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
Melissa was an extremely powerful and catastrophic tropical cyclone in the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. It became the third-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record and was the most intense at landfall on the island.
Melissa rapidly intensified to a Category 5 hurricane, making landfall near New Hope in Westmoreland Parish, where severe damages were reported.
