Guyana being positioned as leading responder to natural disasters in region – Pres Ali

…as 42 Guyanese soldiers awarded for rebuilding efforts in Jamaica

Over 40 members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), who recently returned from Jamaica after assisting with rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation on the island nation, have been medallioned in recognition of their successful mission.

The contingent, comprising one officer and 41 ranks, spent approximately 114 days in Jamaica to assist with critical reconstruction efforts across hurricane-battered communities, restoring some 200 roofs and offering other critical humanitarian assistance.
During a welcome reception held at Base Camp Aygangana on Wednesday, these soldiers were honoured with the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Medal by the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali, for their exceptional humanitarian service rendered.
This medal recognises bravery, compassion and selfless devotion to duty in alleviating suffering and restoring stability in affected communities during disaster relief operations within Guyana and abroad.
According to President Ali, this mission underscores the importance of the GDF evolving to better respond to new threats such as those posed by climate change.
“Security is no longer defined solely by traditional threats. It is also defined by our ability to respond to humanitarian crises, to manage disasters and to support communities in times of vulnerability. Humanitarian assistance and disaster response have become central pillars of the Guyana Defence Force mission. This is not a secondary function. It is a core responsibility,” he posited.
Citing that Guyana is already being strategically positioned within the region, the Commander-In-Chief emphasised that the investments in building the capacity within the GDF to respond effectively, efficiently and rapidly to such challenges must continue.
“We must respond through training, equipment and coordination… Today, because of the work of the leadership of the Guyana Defence Force, the investment we have made in the Guyana Defence Force and the Civil Defence Commission and the partnership with the private sector, we have positioned Guyana as a leading response agency or country in the region in natural disasters, and we position ourselves as a first mover in national disasters.”
Preparedness is paramount
“While we stand ready to assist our regional partners, we must also be prepared to respond here at home. Charity begins at home, and Guyana itself is not immune to the impacts of natural disasters. Preparedness is paramount. The same hands that rebuild homes in Jamaica must be ready if called upon to protect and rebuild communities here in Guyana, and I have every confidence that they will,” President Ali stated.
The Guyanese leader further noted that the destruction left by Hurricane Melissa last October is a stark reminder that the intensity and ferocity of natural disasters are increasing with alarming frequency, thus making small island developing states, especially in the Caribbean region, especially vulnerable. It is for this reason Dr Ali posited that Guyana will continue to place its environmental stewardship on the front burner.
He went onto add that this mission to Jamaica will not be a one-off act of goodwill but a continued demonstration of Guyana’s commitment to regional solidarity.
“When disaster strikes anywhere in our region, Guyana will answer the call. That is who we are, that is what we believe, that is how we act,” he stated, while commending the troops for their sacrifice, professionalism and humanity.
“Your service has not gone unnoticed and will not be forgotten… Through your service, Guyana has strengthened its reputation as a nation that offers support, that extends solidarity and that stands firmly on the side of humanity. You went to Jamaica as soldiers, you returned as heroes… You have demonstrated that the Guyana Defence Force is not only a protector of our sovereignty but also a champion of humanitarian values.”
Readiness to respond
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Omar Khan, reiterated the army’s commitment and readiness to respond to whatever the need is both within and beyond Guyana’s borders.
“We will continue to rise to whatever the occasion demands of us to service every mission, whether it is border duties, internal security operations or, as in this case, a humanitarian and disaster relief operation,” he declared.
According to the army chief, this deployment builds on previous humanitarian missions to Grenada and St Kitts and Nevis during Hurricane Beryl in 2024, which has further strengthened the GDF’s response mechanism.
“You successfully completed all 200 assigned roof rehabilitation projects through your expertise and resolve. You restored homes, improved living conditions, and brought relief and dignity to families affected by Hurricane Melissa… Boots on the ground is what gets the mission done. Resources do not move by themselves. It was you who operated, executed and ensured the objectives were achieved. Your collective effort is applauded here today and recognised,” Brigadier Khan posited.
The contingent to Jamaica included soldiers with specialised skills in carpentry, construction and project management. The Guyanese team was tasked with repairing 200 roofs of homes that were destroyed by the hurricane and displaced thousands of families.
Commanding Officer of the GDF’s Fourth Engineer Battalion, Lt Col Cranston France, said the troops not only successfully repaired all 200 roofs but also brought immediate relief and stability across five districts.
“Your deployment to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa was not easy. It was demanding, it was relentless… You worked in harsh condition. You faced uncertainty, yet you delivered, restoring not just homes but dignity, stability and hope. That is what service looks like,” France stated.
The work of these soldiers was supported by building materials donated by the private sector in Guyana and mobilised by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).