Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, yesterday hosted centenarian World War II veteran Mr. James Gladwin Samuels at the Officers’ Mess, Base Camp Ayanganna, in recognition of his 100th birth anniversary, celebrated on March 22, 2026.
At the privilege of the Chief of Defence Staff, Mr. Samuels was received as a guest of honour and presented with a commemorative birthday card on behalf of the officers and ranks of the Guyana Defence Force, as well as the people of Guyana. The card, signed by members of the Force, reflected collective appreciation for his service and sacrifice. He was also presented with the Chief of Defence Staff’s coin by Brigadier Khan in recognition of his service and enduring contribution.
In acknowledging the milestone, Brigadier Khan described Mr. Samuels as a symbol of courage and resilience, noting that his strength has left an indelible mark on the nation. He further conveyed that Guyana, and indeed the wider world, remains deeply grateful for his service.
Born at Leguan, an island in the Essequibo river, Mr. Samuels’ life reflects a century of service, sacrifice, and national evolution. At just nineteen years old, he enlisted in 1943 during the height of World War II as part of the wider Caribbean contribution to the allied war effort. He served for approximately three and a half years, initially in the infantry before being attached to the Royal Corps of Signals within the British Army, where he functioned as a signaller and communications specialist. (Regimental Number: 14159).
In this role, he was trained in telecommunications, radio systems, and message transmission, functions critical to maintaining secure and reliable communication across operational theatres. Signal units formed the backbone of command and control, ensuring that coordinated military action could be effectively executed.
During the engagement, Mr. Samuels, still articulate and mentally sharp, reflected with pride on his years of service. He recalled his training in communications, including his outstanding performance at the Central Telegraph Office, where he placed first in his examinations, as well as his studies in radio repair, skills that proved essential during the war.
He also recounted a particularly difficult experience at sea while returning from Trinidad, when the vessel on which he was travelling became disoriented. For several days, those on-board endured uncertainty, hunger, and exhaustion after communication was lost, before eventually being located and brought to safety.
Reflecting on his longevity, Mr. Samuels expressed gratitude for life, noting that even at seventy-five he had not imagined he would live to see one hundred. A father of six, with children ranging in age from forty-six to seventy-five, he described his life as fulfilling and shaped by perseverance and purpose.
Now at one hundred, Mr. Samuels remains one of only four surviving World War II veterans in Guyana. Despite physical challenges, he continues to demonstrate determination, including his willingness to personally attend engagements such as his recent visit to the Chief of Defence Staff at Base Camp Ayanganna, as well as his participation in Remembrance Day observances at the Cenotaph.
The engagement underscores the Guyana Defence Force’s enduring commitment to honouring those who have served with distinction. Mr. Samuels’ life stands as a testament to the contribution of Guyanese within the broader Caribbean war effort and to global history, reinforcing the values of service, resilience, and national pride.
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