Georgetown: In honour of fallen British Guiana Volunteer Force and GDF Veterans, Guyana Defence Force Chief of Staff Brigadier Patrick West, and President of the Guyana Veterans’ Legion Lt Col (ret’d) George Gomes, laid wreaths, at the Force’s Veteran’s Monument on the lawns at the western front of Base Camp Ayanganna. The wreath-laying took place this morning as the GDF commemorated the eight anniversary of Veterans’ Day Friday.
Scores of military Veterans, including some of the World War II era, together with former Chiefs of Staff, representatives of foreign missions in Guyana and other special invitees, gathered at the site for the observances.
In brief remarks to the assemblage, President of the Guyana Veterans’ Legion, Lt Col George Gomes, highlighted the need for the welfare of the members of the Veterans’ community to be given more national attention. He also expressed the hope that ongoing discussions regarding Camp Groomes Veterans would have more positive outcomes. Earlier in his remarks, Lt Col Gomes spoke to cleanliness of Base Camp Ayanganna and pointed out that it ought to be used as a model by the city and schools, with regard to how to keep the environment clean and healthy.
In his remarks, Chief of Staff Brigadier Patrick West acknowledged the concerns of the Veterans’ Legion and explained that a number of initiatives are being explored for addressing them in a meaningful manner. To this end, he noted that the Force intends to seek private sector sponsorship for the improvement of the quality of life for Veterans, and to seek funding for much needed repairs to the building that houses the Legion’s headquarters, among other things.
Brigadier West presented a cheque for one million dollars to the Legion. This presentation mirrored a similar one made to the Legion last year.
Acknowledging the importance of the welfare of Veterans, the Chief of Staff also thanked all assembled, along with the surviving families of those who have passed on, for their selfless sacrifices and service to ensure a safe and secure Guyana.
You must be logged in to post a comment.