Govt's social welfare plans include veterans: Guyana PM

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd), the Honourable Mark Phillips thanked the assembled veterans, who had gathered for Veterans Day celebration for their service and "for choosing to serve in the defence and security of British Guiana and the Co-operative Republic of Guyana," during a passionate address on Friday.

Sunday, 21st November 2021

Govt's social welfare plans include veterans: Guyana PM

Guyana: Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd), the Honourable Mark Phillips thanked the assembled veterans, who had gathered for Veterans Day celebration for their service and "for choosing to serve in the defence and security of British Guiana and the Co-operative Republic of Guyana," during a passionate address on Friday. He also reassured them that the wellbeing of the men and women who served Guyana through its military forces are included in his government's social welfare plans which will continue to improve constantly as his Government forges ahead to implement its social policies. The veterans were gathered for the wreath-laying ceremony at the Veterans Monument, Base Camp Ayanganna, in honour of Veteran's Day, which was held earlier this month. "It was the previous PPP/C Government that made the decision that no government pension must be less than half the national minimum wage, and that single decision has improved the welfare of many of our veterans…this is the same party when in government, that contributed in a substantial way to the completion of the National Veterans Rest Home." The Prime Minister noted that the previous PPP/C Government contributed $5M in 2009 and then $40M in 2010 to the veterans home. "This was contributed in a significant way to the competition of the building, and it brought into operation the National Veterans Rest Home in 2011." He added that as it has done in the past, his Government will continue to provide for the operations of the rest home through the GDF budgetary allocation. "Fellow veterans, I'm saying this to assure you that the government which I am representing here today will continue to be a people-centred government and will continue to design and deliver on policies in a people-centred manner, and all our policies and deliveries to the people of Guyana will include our veterans." He reminded that veterans, who are Government pensioners, will benefit from the increase that was announced on Thursday. The Prime Minister also donated $2M to the Guyana Veterans Legion. One million was presented on his behalf and the other on behalf of His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali. Prior to the donation presentation, Brigadier (Ret'd) Phillips laid the first wreath at the base of the Veteran's Monument. He was followed by Chief-of-Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Godfrey Bess and President of the Guyana Veterans Legion, (Ret'd) Lt. Colonel George Gomes. The senior government official, who is a former Chief-of-Staff of the GDF, also praised veterans for their service during their time in uniform and for ensuring that a strong network of ex-soldiers remained. He pointed out that the current Veteran's Monument is a result of a collaboration between the GDF through the leadership of the then Chief-of-Staff (Ret'd) Rear Admiral, Gary Best and the Guyana Veterans Foundation, led by Colonel Morgan in 2009. "I want to utilize this opportunity to express my personal tribute to one Jonny Douglas who passed recently; he and some of his colleagues formed an organisation known as the Guyana Ex-Soldiers Benevolent Association… it is on his shoulder and the subsequent work of the Guyana Veterans Foundation led by Colonel Morgan, that brought us to where we are today with Colonel George Gomes leading the Guyana Veterans Legion". Meanwhile, Chief-of-Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, on behalf of serving members of the force, donated $1.2M to the Legion. He called the contribution of the men and women who are now retired "invaluable". "Our country will always be grateful to you brave men and women who served in the military forces of British Guiana and Guyana…on this day, we look back with pride and grateful hearts". Ret'd Lt. Colonel Gomes, in his remarks, expressed his gratitude to both the Government and the GDF. This article was issued by the Office of PM of Guyana.