GDF to establish Veterans Dept, review retirement process – COS

– as GVL calls for legal recognition

With the aim of enhancing its support to veterans, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will be establishing a Veterans’ Affairs Department that will handle the routine and daily issues affecting these former military personnel.
These commitments were made by the GDF Chief of Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, on Friday at the Veterans’ Day Wreath-laying ceremony held at Base Camp Ayanganna.
Brigadier Khan said he is cognisant of the many challenges that veterans face and pledged to do more for them. Consequently, the Chief of Staff outlined a series of actions that will be undertaken by the GDF to further support the country’s veterans.
“I will ensure we can effect some much more-needed repairs to the Guyana Veterans Legion in 2024. Additionally, we will also provide a resuscitated and well-staffed Veteran Affairs Department to adequately address the routine and daily administration [of matters relating to ex-military officers],” the Army Chief announced.
Moreover, the Chief of Staff further disclosed he has already directed that the monthly health checks for the veterans be restarted to provide much-needed care and intervention for those wanting the same.
He added, “It is my intention to review our retirement process to better enhance our out-processing – an exit strategy to better prepare and guide our members for life after uniform service will be the primary objective.”
According to Brigadier Khan, the GDF remains committed to providing its traditional forms of assistance and support to veterans, especially at the Guyana Veterans’ Rest Home and the Guyana Veterans Legion (GVL).
To this end, the army pledged $1 million to the Veterans Legion and also announced the erection of a special memorial to honour those who lost their lives on duty. The Chief of Staff explained that the monument will be completed in time for the GDF’s 60th anniversary celebrations in 2025.
Brigadier Khan told the veterans that as Chief of Staff, he stands on their shoulders and will continue to build on the foundation they left.
“We are mindful that you are deserving of our gratitude for the courage you have shown and the sacrifices you have made. But even so, on this solemn occasion, the Guyana Defence Force recognises that there is no tribute, commemoration or praise that can truly match the magnitude of your service and sacrifice…”

“We will not forget and we cannot forget. You are as much as part of the fabric of this Force as anyone of us in uniform. The Force is where it is because of the service you have given and the sacrifices you have made… As a Force, we remain indebted to each of you – a debt we can never repay,” the army Chief stated.

Legal recognition
Prior to Brigadier Khan’s commitments, however, President of the Guyana Veterans Legion, Lt Colonel (Retired) George Gomes, called for the legal recognition of the entity. He pointed out that when the Defence Act was crafted in 1977, there was no consideration for life after the army for soldiers – something he wants to see changed in the country’s laws.
“There is no mention of veteran relations in the Defence Act and it is our desire to have this omission rectified,” he contended.
Gomes highlighted the fact that in many countries around the world such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, India, and Australia, there are specific departments established or high-level officials identified to deal with veterans’ affairs.
“On behalf of my membership, I am making a request for some type of legality to be given to our veterans’ organisation… As the only veterans’ organisation for the military in Guyana, I am asking that maybe the Defence Act Chapter 15:01 could be amended to include the Guyana Veterans Legion, officially linking us to the GDF. As it is now, we are like a stepchild. We have no official status with the Government or the GDF and as such, we are not being budgeted for,” the GVL President posited.
In response, however, Prime Minister Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips, a former army Chief himself, assured the veterans that they have a voice in the cockpit of political power as long as he holds such a high post in Government.
According to Phillips, the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government heard the requests of the GVL President, with whom he has an open-door policy and constantly has discussions on pressing matters in relation to veterans’ welfare. This arrangement, he declared, will continue.
“Notwithstanding the fact that many of the Commonwealth countries have nice fancy offices and Ministers dealing directly with veterans’ affairs, what is important is that we have a relationship [with the GVL]. We will formalise everything. Through the Defence Board, we will go to the Parliament and we can write all the Acts and debate and vote on it because it’s the proper thing to do – the democratic process.”
“But in the meantime, we have achieved what many of those countries with all these fancy architectures have not achieved. We have broken down the bureaucracy and any issues pertaining to veterans and veterans’ welfare will be dealt with by my Government,” the Prime Minister stressed.
Phillips noted that the Government is very impatient as it relates to the welfare of all Guyanese, especially the veterans who have served the country.
To this end, the Prime Minister disclosed that the Government will be interpreting and updating ‘Pensions and Gratuities Regulation’ – a section in the Defence Act, in order to do more for veterans.
Only last year, Government injected some $77 million into the operation of the Veterans’ Rest Home. This support, Phillips added, will continue and if there is a need for the expansion of this facility, then assistance will come for that as well.
“We are underutilising that home. Let us fully utilise the home and if there is need or if there is a demand for another Veterans’ Home, we are willing to listen to the Guyana Veterans Legion to implement that,” the Prime Minister committed.  (G-8)