As Guyana joined the rest of the world in remembering the brave men and women who fought in World Wars 1 and 2, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, announced that the findings of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) launched into the wellbeing of veterans have been handed over to cabinet for perusal.
The inquiry to examine the conditions and circumstances facing veterans of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana People’s Militia and the Guyana National Service was spearheaded by Colonel Desmond Roberts, who in his report made several recommendations.
According to Harmon, the recommendations made are currently receiving Government’s fullest attention, and the administration is shortly expected to make known its position in this regard.
Additionally, Government is seeking to set up a National Veterans Trust that is expected to be used only for the welfare of veterans in Guyana.
Harmon assured that the said Trust would be protected by law and would not be subject to any change.
“A National Veterans Trust is also our intention to set up; that would be protected by law to ensure that it is not subjected to the whims and fancies of anyone… Our words will continue to match our deeds on the issue of the welfare of veterans,” Harmon has assured.
Reflecting on the origin of Remembrance Day, Harmon noted that the day should be used by Guyanese and the world to reaffirm commitment to a conflict-free world.
“Since 1919, November 11 (has been) put aside to remember those who perished, and to recognise those who survived the war, described as one of the deadliest conflicts in human history… The red poppy is worn as a symbol to recognise the significance of our soldiers…
“Remembrance Day should be a moment of reflection on the ravages of wars, along with the facility of human resources and (their) economic consequences…
It is also a day when we reaffirm our commitment to a world free of conflict, a world where differences are settled peacefully and without resorting to threats, or the use of force,” the Minister stated.
Harmon further applauded the Guyana Veterans Legion for their continued contribution towards the welfare or Guyana’s veterans, and request that they be resolute in ensuring that the welfare of veterans receive best or maximum attention.
President of the Guyana Veteran’s Legion, Colonel George Gomes, thanked President David Granger for opening the Commission of Inquiry, and noted that the Legion patiently awaits the recommendations being put into action.
In his brief remarks, he paid homage to the veterans, one of whom will be
Members of the Diplomatic Community at the Remembrance Day observance on Sunday
celebrating his 100th birthday next week.
According to Gomes, the Legion pledges its continued dedication to being the united front for veterans in Guyana.
“Our remembrance theme reads, ‘Lest we forget’. We have to ensure that these observances are never watered down; they are the most integral parts of our history, and must be maintained to prosperity,” Gomes said.
Also delivering remarks on the auspicious day were British High Commissioner Greg Quinn and Canadian High Commissioner Lilian Chatterjee, who also both remembered those who have fallen.
The Remembrance Day ceremony in Guyana began with a military parade, followed by the Presidential Salute, the Last Post, and the observance of two minutes of silence to acknowledge those fallen military officers of World Wars I and II.
At the end of World War II, in 1945, Armistice Day was renamed Remembrance Day or Remembrance Sunday, and is observed on the first or second Sunday of November. The poppies worn by persons are part of the Poppy Appeal, launched annually to ensure that those who made the sacrifice in the two Great Wars (1914-1918) and (1939-1945) are remembered.
In Guyana, Remembrance Day is observed on the Sunday closest to November 11. The day is marked by parades in Georgetown, New Amsterdam, Vreed-en-Hoop, Linden, Anna Regina, Bartica, Lethem and other towns around the country. The commemoration date, November 11 marks, the signing of the Armistice at the end of World War 1.
expected to be used only for the welfare of veterans in Guyana.
