60 Joint Services ranks decorated in grand style

…over 40 more to be added to the list

A grand military display on Tuesday ended with 60 ranks of the Joint Services being decorated as the Guyana Defence Board staged yet another Medal Presentation Parade.

The display saw Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President David Granger pinning various levels of Orders of Service on 20 officers attached to each of the three main forces –the Guyana Police Force (GPF); the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Fire Service (GFS). However, in addition to those decorated during the ceremony, more than 40 ranks are expected to receive similar awards, bringing this year’s total to in excess of 100.
Among the awards presented were the Military Efficiency Medal dedicated to ranks serving in the GDF for over 10 years, the Border Defence Medal for officers of the GDF and GPF serving at a border location for over one year as well as the Medal of Long Service and Good Conduct to GPF and GFS officials clocking in over 15 years of exemplary service.
Each of the awardees were recommended by the Medal Awards Committee of the Guyana Defence Board and following approval from the Chief of Staff or Commissioner of their individual forces, the officers managed to secure a spot among those honoured at the Medal Presentation Parade and thereafter.
Being singled out as most senior ranks among the awardees were Major Shawn Harmon of the GDF, Superintendent Keithon King and Frank Jackman of the GPF and Divisional Officer Dwayne Scotland of the GFS.
While speaking at the ceremony hosted at Camp Ayanganna, President Granger expressed appreciation to the decorated ranks for their selfless service in protecting and defending the nation.
In doing so, he noted, “Soldiers, Policemen, militiamen, firemen will be on duty by day and by night. While the nation sleeps, every hour of the day and night, you and your comrades in uniform will be on duty somewhere in Guyana.”
As such, the Head of State congratulated the awarded Joint Services ranks, saying, “We are proud of you. We are proud that you have selected to serve your nation. We are proud that you have been selected to receive these awards. We are proud that over the years, the services provided have kept Guyana safe.”
Granger went on to outline the significance of the Orders of Service being presented. “These awards are mere tokens; they are mere symbols. They are what a grateful nation extends to you. There is no way that we can thank you enough for all that you do every day to keep this country safe. Over the years, the Guyanese nation has been able to rely on you,” he stated.
Furthermore, Granger called on the awardees to cherish their medals as he noted, “It might be simple: a metal disk with a bit of cloth, but every army in the world recognises service by presenting these awards to persons who have distinguished themselves through their long services, courage and example, and Guyana is no different. Wear these awards with pride.”
This was as the President encouraged the decorated ranks to preserve their accolades for they showed that service to the nation had its own rewards.