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President Granger calls for a “world at peace” - Remembrance Day 2015

 

Written by  , Published in News, Georgetown, Guyana, (November 8, 2015), Source

 

 His Excellency, Brigadier David Granger, President of Guyana, as he lays a wreath in remembrance of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice during World Wars I and II.

His Excellency, Brigadier David Granger, President of Guyana, as he lays a wreath in remembrance of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice during World Wars I and II.

 

President of Guyana, Brigadier David Granger joined with Veterans, members of the Cabinet, the Joint Services, the diplomatic community and a large number of Guyanese at the Remembrance Day War Memorial Service at the Cenotaph on Main Street, Georgetown.

 

The Commander-in-Chief’s motorcade was escorted to the venue by the Guyana Police Force’s Mounted Branch, where a wreath-laying ceremony was held, preceded by prayers from religious leaders of the Muslim, Hindu and Christian faiths.

 

The President, who delivered a brief statement, spoke highly of those who fought and lost their lives in World War I and II, referring to them as gallant men and women, who made the ultimate sacrifice.  He said, “We are forever indebted to them for their supreme sacrifice in the cause of peace and freedom.”  President Granger also took the opportunity to honour all Guyanese, who died in service to the nation and thanked those who continue to serve.

 

“Let us thank those who continue to defend our territory and our patrimony throughout our country”, he said.  The Head of State added that because of the example of all who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, Guyana is resolved to “maintain our efforts for a world at peace with justice and prosperity for all peoples”.

 

Also laying wreaths at the ceremony were Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Mark Phillips, Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud, members of the Diplomatic Corps and representatives of regional and international bodies and organisations.  Memorial Day 2015 was observed with the solemnity befitting the occasion and included a two minute silence, during which attendees were encouraged to think or pray “in remembrance of those who made the great

sacrifice”.

 

Following the ceremony, the President was given a military salute, during a March-Past by the Joint Services and members of the Guyana Veterans Legion Association at the corner of Main and New Market streets.  A large number of ordinary Guyanese gathered to watch the ceremony and followed the parade along Main Street.

 

The War Memorial, popularly referred to as ‘the Cenotaph’, stands in memory of all Guyanese soldiers, who died in service during the two World Wars. Built of marble, the War Memorial stands at 4.5 metres and is inscribed on its four faces with the words: Devotion, Humanity, Fortitude and Sacrifice.

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Military servicemen and women must be guaranteed comfortable, dignified retirement - President Granger at Remembrance Day reception

 

Written by  , Published in News, Georgetown, Guyana, (November 8, 2015), Source

 

 Surviving members of the British Guiana Battalion of the South Caribbean Forces at the Remembrance Day reception.

Surviving members of the British Guiana Battalion of the South Caribbean Forces at the Remembrance Day reception.

 

On a day set aside by Commonwealth Nations across the world to remember and honour the memory of the brave men and women of the armed forces, who died in the line of duty, President and Commander-in-Chief, Brigadier David Granger announced the return of a fixed annual State subvention for the Guyana Veterans’ Legion. This announcement was received with loud applause from a packed room of mainly ex-servicemen and women at a Remembrance Day reception organised by the Legion, at Coghlan House on

Carifesta Avenue.

 

Several cheques were handed over to the organisation inclusive of promised unpaid subventions in the sum of $1.5M, a contribution of $300,000 from the Office of the Prime Minister, $1M from President Granger as patron of the Guyana Veterans’ Legion, $1M for the repair and maintenance of Coghlan House and $1M for the National Veterans’ Rest Home in Lamaha Springs to offset expenses. This brings the total to $4.8M, which will help to improve the quality of life of veterans.

 

“We do not see this as a reward for past services. We see it as an investment in the future, so that young entrants in the Defence Force must know that they can look forward to a comfortable and dignified retirement,” the President said.

 

In addition to financial assistance, the President outlined several initiatives, which his Government will be implementing to ensure that veterans are given their due. This includes the convening of the National Veterans’ Commission on November 21. This Commission will be tasked with examining the conditions under which veterans are living and working

and making recommendations for improvements.

 

A Veterans’ Trust will be established to raise funds for the continuing education, training and resettlement of veterans following retirement. It will also seek to procure for veterans land for housing and agricultural purposes.

 

The Veterans’ Department, which has already been established at Base Camp Ayanganna, will be staffed and equipped to ensure that veterans and their families receive their entitlements from the State in a timely fashion. All of these entitlements and benefits will be consolidated with the passage of comprehensive legislation.

 

President Granger said that the Veterans’ Act will ensure that the entitlements of soldiers and their families are guaranteed and secured under law. “The State acknowledges and accepts its obligation to assist our veterans to ensure that they, too, can enjoy a good life. The State will help to open opportunities for veterans when they leave active military service,” he said.

 

President of the Guyana Veterans’ Legion, Lt. Col. (ret’d), George Gomes said that the greatest service a person can give to their country is to serve in its military. He said that as the aging process begins to take its toll on surviving veterans, there is need for institutionalised veteran care.

 

Meanwhile, British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn, who also delivered remarks, said that it is important that countries continue to honour the memories of those who sacrificed their lives so that future generations can live in peace. “They have not and must not have died in vain,” he said.

 

Remembrance Day, also known as Poppy Day, has been observed by Commonwealth Nations since the end of the First World War.

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Heads of Foreign Missions- from left: Chilean Ambassador, Claudio Rachel Rojas, US Ambassador, Perry Holloway, Indian High Commissioner,  Venkatachalam Mahalingam, British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn and Canadian High Commissioner, Pierre Giroux

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