By Devina Samaroo
Ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) braved the heavy downpours on Thursday afternoon as they marched onto the muddy tarmac of the incomplete D’Urban Park arena to receive their honorary medals from the Commander-in-Chief David Granger.
One by one, President Granger handed out medals to a total of 120 ranks who stood resolutely at attention in the pouring rain as the band played a series of national songs.
Also in attendance were Government Ministers, members of the diplomatic corps and other members of the Disciplined Services.
The shedless bleachers also accommodated a handful of persons who had turned out to witnesses the annual medal presentation parade.
After receiving their medals, the ranks marched off and the parade continued as the band took centre stage.
The beating retreat lasted for approximately 15 minutes until the flag party marched on to begin the lowering of the Golden Arrowhead that was swaying wildly in the night sky.
The medals
The Military Efficiency Medal is awarded to serving members of the GDF who have completed 10 years of service with good conduct and are approved by the Chief-of-Staff following recommendation by the Medal Awards Committee. This Medal is made of nickel, circular in shape and measures 35mm in diameter. On the obverse of the Medal is the Cacique Crown in the centre which is encircled by the inscription “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”, while on the reverse, there are two crossed swords and the words ‘Military Efficiency Medal’.
The Border Defence Medal is awarded to serving members of the GDF and the GPF who would have had cumulative service on a border location in excess of one year and are approved by the Chief-of-Staff/ Police Commissioner following recommendation by the Medal Awards Committee. Similarly, this Medal is made of nickel, circular in shape and measures 35mm in diameter. On the obverse of the Medal is the Cacique Crown in the centre which is encircled by the inscription “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”, while on the reverse, there is a circular image of Mount Ayanganna on which is planted the Golden Arrowhead; at the base of the depiction of Mount Ayanganna are bushes and water.
The Long Service and Good Conduct Medal is awarded to serving members of the Disciplined Services for 15 years of continuous service with good conduct and approved by the Police Commissioner following recommendation by the Medal Awards Committee. The obverse of the Medal is similar to the others, while the reverse displays a key, a baton and an axe with the words ‘For Long Service and Good Conduct’ inscribed.
