President highlights transformation, global recognition as GDF marks 60 years

A remarkable milestone has been reached as the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) celebrates 60 years of service, with personnel from every sector of the force participating in the anniversary events at the National Cultural Centre on Saturday.
During the celebrations, President Dr Irfaan Ali highlighted a new era of transformation for the GDF, emphasising modernisation, leadership development, and global recognition for the nation’s military. “Today, as we commemorate 60 years of the Guyana Defence Force, we also look ahead to a new era of transformation; the GDF is evolving, it is being reshaped, retooled and reenergised to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. We are building a more agile, capable and technologically proficient force, one that can respond swiftly and effectively to modern trends, both traditional and unconventional.” President Ali also praised the force’s commitment to professional development and preparedness. He also stated that Guyana’s soldiers are being equipped with new skills, modern resources and enhanced training to carry out their duties with even greater precision and professionalism. He stressed the importance of strategic investments, noting that soldiers must make investments that will allow the country to be prepared, adding that Guyana must not be caught off guard.
On leadership within the GDF, the President remarked, “Today, I am proud to say that the leadership of the GDF, our senior officers, they are respected across the world. They are known by their names. And they are honoured by their names. And their names are honoured.” He concluded with a forward-looking message, emphasising the need for agility and mission readiness. “We are building a force that is agile, mission-ready, and capable of responding to both conventional and unconventional challenges.”

Reflections on early years of the GDF
Chief of Defence Staff Omar Khan, also speaking on the occasion, reflected on the rich history of the GDF and the collective efforts of past and present members.
“To all of us, to those who served before us, to those who served and are not with us, happy 60th anniversary,” he said. “Today we gathered not only to mark an anniversary, but also to give thanks in this first event to signal the commencement of our 60th celebration.” He recalled the founding principles of the force, saying: “When the Guyana Defence Force, our force, was established on the 1st of November 1965, our founders laid a foundation built on three enduring principles: duty, discipline, and devotion. They envisioned a professional force that would stand as the shield of our nation, ready to defend its sovereignty, uphold its values, and serve its people.” Khan emphasised that the milestone belongs to every officer and soldier, past and present, including the pioneers, veterans, fallen members, and the current generation. “It belongs to the veterans whose service and sacrifice strengthened our foundation, it belongs to our fallen, those who stood strong in their last hours and became the guardians of our rich history and memory. It also belongs to the current generation, to those who continue to uphold our proud traditions while embracing the future with vision and courage,” he said.
He also acknowledged the sacrifices of families, calling them “the silent sentinel of sacrifice,” and reminded that the next chapter will demand innovation, quick decision-making, and astute leadership. “While our partnerships continue to strengthen our readiness, from the acquisition of assets to the deepening of regional and international cooperation, our greatest investments remain in our people, our officers and soldiers, the soldiers who wake before dawn, ready again to renew allegiance and see our flag raised. And the pilot who cuts through the clouds in the early morning skies on board a mission.”
Khan concluded by underscoring the GDF’s professionalism and commitment.
“We have been called upon in times of peace and in times of challenge, and each time we have answered with resolve, professionalism, and pride. This milestone belongs to every officer and every soldier, past and present.”