NISA Building renaming: Dr Roger Luncheon left an indelible footprint on Guyana’s security architecture – Head of State

The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) Building has been renamed after the late Dr Roger Luncheon, and according to Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali, the former Secretary of the Defence Board has played a central role in not only national development, but the development of the country’s intelligence and security architecture.

The building has now been renamed the Dr Roger Forbes Luncheon Building, National Intelligence and Security Agency.
President Ali made this remark during a simple ceremony on Friday morning for the renaming of the NISA Building, which is now called the Doctor Roger Forbes Luncheon Building.
“Dr Luncheon has left an indelible footprint on our nation’s security architecture. It therefore is fitting that the NISA Building should be named in his honour. In so doing, we’re not only paying homage to a man of exceptional calibre, but also associating his legacy with the important work of protecting our motherland.
“Dr Roger Luncheon played a central role in shaping our country’s national security policies and plans. As the Secretary of the Defence Board for many years, he acted in coordinating efforts to protect our homeland from internal and external threats. His dedication to the wellbeing of our citizens, and his tireless work in maintaining law and order are of public record and acclaim,” the Head of State noted.
He went on to say that Dr Luncheon’s legacy is one of sterling service, exemplifying integrity and excellence. The President said Dr Luncheon was a guiding light of the disciplined services, providing leadership and helping to safeguard Guyana’s sovereignty.
The Commander-in-Chief posited, however, that while NISA’s work focuses on security-related matters in Guyana, the renaming of its building after Dr Luncheon signifies national development and prosperity – all tenets of what he stood for.
“This building, though security and intelligence in focus, goes beyond that. Dr Luncheon’s name on this building is about national development and national prosperity, because they are integral parts into the defence structure and intelligence gathering structure, which is part of the defence structure, of our country.
“So, I think this is very fitting, given Dr Luncheon’s role and his input in national development, with a strong understanding of national security. That combination is what made him exceptional and different, because here is a man that understood that everything from the national security level had to be integrated with national development,” the President stated.
Dr Luncheon, a former Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Presidential Secretariat under several previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Governments, passed away after an extended period of illness at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on August 2 at the age of 74.
Up until his death, he was still a severing member of the party’s Central and Executive Committees, as well as a Presidential Advisor.
The Head of State had announced at Dr Luncheon’s funeral on Tuesday that the NISA Building would be renamed after this long-serving public servant in recognition of his contribution to Guyana and the country’s security sector.
As the Secretary of the Defence Board for several years, Dr Luncheon had worked with countless men and women in uniform – many of whom are now leading the country’s security agenda, including Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan.
He said the dedication of the NISA Building in honour of the legacy of Dr Luncheon is a just move, as it reflects on the pivotal role that the former Defence Board Secretary played in shaping Guyana’s national security and the evolution of state intelligence.
“Dr Luncheon did not only shape lives, he also shaped progress, important progress for national development and security – a concept he held dearly and was able to address through the application of an improved intelligence structure. And it was the support to this field of intelligence did Dr Luncheon bring much stability to national development,” Brigadier Khan stated.
Another senior official who benefitted from the late Dr Luncheon’s ideals and principles is NISA Deputy Director, Colonel Sheldon Howell, who committed to carry forward the torch lit by Dr Luncheon.
“We will continue to uphold the values he championed, the principles he defended, and the dedication he exhibited. As we enter this new chapter, let us draw strength from his legacy as we face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead…
“Let this building stand as a symbol of our collective gratitude – a place whether the memory of Dr Roger Luncheon will forever reside. May it inspire future generations to strive for excellence, to serve with unwavering dedication, and to believe in the transpiration of power, knowledge and security,” Col. Howell noted.
Meanwhile, President Ali on Friday also announced that a number of Dr Luncheon’s works would be displayed in the building, and a bust of the public service stalwart would be done. (G8)