$13M set aside to restore veterans’ headquarters – PM Phillips

Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the welfare of Guyana’s veterans, announcing that funds have been set aside in the 2026 National Budget for the continued rehabilitation of Coghlan House, the headquarters of the Guyana Veterans Legion, and for the improvement of other facilities serving retired members of the armed forces.
Speaking at the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) 16th Annual Veterans’ Day Wreath Laying Ceremony, held at Camp Ayanganna on Thursday, PM Phillips said that the $13 million expended in 2025 to begin repairs on Coghlan House was only the start of a larger, multi-year restoration plan. He assured that the Government intends to continue allocating funds annually to ensure the building is fully restored to its original condition.
He described Coghlan House as a national treasure and symbol of service, highlighting that it not only serves as the administrative base for the veterans’ community but also stands as a living monument to the men and women who served Guyana and its people with distinction.
“With regards to Coghlan House, the $13 million that was expended this year is just the beginning. That is the expenditure for 2025, and we will continue to allocate monies in the budget of the Guyana Defence Force to ensure the building is completely rehabilitated and restored. That’s a historical building in Georgetown, and we are happy to know that it is not only a historical building in the sense of the infrastructure but also in the sense of the memory of the men who would have served in the Guyana Defence Force and would have served before… The Government of Guyana remains committed to ensuring that we provide in every year, every budget, for the welfare of our veterans throughout the length and breadth of Guyana,” PM Phillips said.

Phillips, a former Chief of Staff of the GDF, said his Government views veterans’ affairs as a core component of national development, noting that those who served deserve dignity and continued support in their later years. He reaffirmed that the Administration will maintain the Veterans’ Home at Lamaha Springs and improve living conditions for retired ranks across the country.
The PM also spoke about health-related challenges facing the veteran community, particularly chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and kidney failure, which have affected many retired soldiers. He reminded those gathered that Government support is available for medical treatment, particularly for veterans requiring dialysis.
Share in the prosperity
Phillips noted that the Government’s approach to veterans’ welfare is holistic, encompassing infrastructure and health and also education, social inclusion, and recognition.

“Our veterans will continue to share in the prosperity of this, our nation. We will continue to expend money on improving infrastructure, improving housing, improving the health facilities so that our veterans can benefit from what is being expended on to improve those facilities. We heard about the issue with the diabetes. Today, any veteran, any guy who is affected by diabetes and has kidney issues, you have $600,000 available to you. And that is available every year. So, if you’re not aware of that, you’re not aware of it. And if you have any kidney issues, ensure you get your medical officer to sign the necessary documents so you can have access to that money,” he added.
Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Veterans Legion, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) George Gomes, expressed deep appreciation for the Government’s support and the GDF’s continued partnership with the Legion. However, he also called for greater emphasis on preventive health care among active-duty soldiers, warning that undiagnosed conditions during service years are leading to serious illnesses after retirement.
“We, the veterans, are thankful for the monthly medical outreaches that take place at the Legion. Among our shootings, we have 26 cases of stroke, 17 of blindness, and that blindness, I’m certain, comes from diabetes. So, I want to make a call to the current administration of the GDF. Please start screening our soldiers. Diabetes is a killer. We have to address it seriously so that when this number of blind persons start going down, we don’t want to reach back to 17 among the veteran community,” Gomes said.
Gomes further revealed that repairs have already begun on the Guyana Veterans Legion building, the first major refurbishment since 1985. Work is currently focused on the upper flat, with future phases expected to address the roof, flooring, and interior upgrades. He expressed optimism that the full restoration would be completed in time for the Legion’s 100th anniversary in 2026, marking a century of service to the nation’s ex-servicemen and women.
“We are also thankful that repairs have started on the Guyana Veterans Legion building. This building was last repaired when Major General McLean was Chief of Staff in 1985, but thankfully, the current administration of the GDF has sought funds, and the building is now being repaired. The top flat, yeah. Next year, 2026, will make the Guyana Legion, the Guyana Veterans Legion, 100 years old,” he added.
The ceremony, which featured the traditional laying of wreaths at the Veterans’ Monument, saw participation from senior Government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, foreign military attachés, and families of deceased veterans. It was a moment of reflection and gratitude – one that reaffirmed national respect for the men and women who dedicated their lives to protecting Guyana’s sovereignty.
The event concluded with a call for unity and continued cooperation between the Government, the GDF, and the veterans’ community. PM Phillips emphasised that national security is not only about active defence but also about honouring those who have already served.