‘You went to Jamaica as soldiers, returned as heroes’ – Pres. Ali honours GDF for courage and service

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, delivered a stirring tribute to the ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) during a medal decoration ceremony on Wednesday.

Addressing the ranks at Base Camp Ayanganna, President Ali recognised their exceptional service in humanitarian and disaster relief efforts in Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

The ceremony saw one officer and 41 other ranks being awarded the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Medal, a distinction reserved for those who demonstrate extraordinary courage, compassion and dedication in disaster relief operations both locally and internationally.

The president noted that the ceremony was not only about medals, but about the enduring spirit of unity and service that defines Guyana.

Describing the men and women of the GDF who were deployed to Jamaica as “true ambassadors” he said, “This ceremony recognises that the strength of a nation is revealed not only in how it defends its territory, but in how it extends its hand to others in their hour of need.”

Reflecting on Guyana’s response to the devastation in Jamaica, President Ali described the mission as a true expression of regional solidarity within the Caribbean family.

“We responded not out of obligation, but out of conviction, not out of convenience, but out of commitment.”

The head of state also used the platform to highlight the growing threats posed by climate change, particularly to small island developing nations, warning that the region remains highly vulnerable to severe natural disasters.

“A single hurricane can undo years, sometimes decades, of development. It can erase progress, devastate economies, and most tragically, cost lives.”

President Ali praised the professionalism of the men and women of the GDF, emphasising that their contributions went far beyond logistics and infrastructure.

“You carried supplies, yes, but more importantly, you carried hope. You built structures, yes, but more importantly, you helped rebuild lives,” he said. “You went to Jamaica as soldiers; you returned as heroes.”

He further noted that the mission reflects the evolving role of the Guyana Defence Force, where humanitarian assistance and disaster response now stand as central pillars alongside national security. “This is not a secondary function; it is a core responsibility,” he said.

The President reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to standing shoulder to shoulder with its Caribbean neighbours in times of crisis, while also stressing the importance of preparedness at home.

“The Guyana Defence Force is not only a protector of our sovereignty, but also a champion of humanitarian values,” the president said.

The medal decoration ceremony stands as a powerful testament to Guyana’s growing leadership in regional disaster response and its unwavering commitment to compassion, resilience and unity.

“Guyana is a nation that does not turn away from suffering, but turns toward it with resolve, with compassion, and with action.”

President Ali was joined by Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Gerry Gouveia Jr., National Security Advisor Gerry Gouveia, along with other officials. [DPI]