President Ali Urges Commitment to Peace and Justice; $8.5 Million Pledged to Guyana Veterans Legion

According to the Guyana Times, President Dr Irfaan Ali called upon Guyanese to renew their dedication to national development, justice, and peace as the nation observed those who sacrificed their lives in the two world wars and others who made sacrifices for freedom.

During his Remembrance Day address at the Georgetown Cenotaph on Sunday morning, Ali stated that the sacrifices of fallen service members should bolster the nation's determination to strive for a world characterized by prosperity, justice, and peace for everyone. He expressed deep gratitude for the supreme sacrifices made by those who gave their lives for peace and freedom, and also acknowledged those who made similar personal sacrifices in the ongoing pursuit of human dignity, social justice, and freedom from oppression.

Ali advised Guyanese to utilize the solemn occasion to reaffirm their dedication to promoting peace globally and to renewing their commitment to the country's development and well-being.

Separately, the Government and the private sector have committed a total of $8.5 million toward the welfare and support initiatives of the Guyana Veterans Legion. These pledges were announced by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips during the Legion’s annual Remembrance Ceremony held at Coghlan House, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown.

Phillips detailed the contributions, noting pledges of $2.5 million on behalf of President Ali, $2 million from the Office of the Prime Minister, and $2 million from Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan on behalf of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). An additional $2 million was contributed by Scoop Ride Inc., which is led by businessman and former Joint Services member Edmon Braithwaite.

Addressing the attendees, Phillips reiterated the administration's commitment to the dignity and welfare of military veterans, emphasizing that recognition of their service must go beyond mere ceremonial events. He stated that the concerns of veterans warrant fair consideration and that they should have the ability to seek assistance with dignity.

The Prime Minister encouraged both businesses and individuals to support the Legion’s annual Remembrance Appeal, which funds its veterans’ welfare activities and other endeavors. He stressed the importance of fulfilling pledges promptly to enable the organization to plan its activities with assurance.

Drawing from his background as a former soldier, Phillips reflected on the connections established through military service and the necessity of maintaining those ties after retirement. He also commended the Guyana Veterans Legion for its efforts in supporting former service members, preserving military history, and sustaining a sense of community among veterans.

Phillips called for increased efforts to document the experiences of veterans, particularly those who served when Guyana was known as British Guiana, so that their contributions could be preserved for succeeding generations. He referenced the recent State Visit of His Majesty King Charles III, during which the King met military veterans at the Commonwealth War Graves memorial in Georgetown, including centenarians Donald Grant and James Samuels.

He urged the Legion to continue collaborating with families and schools to record veterans’ narratives, noting that these individuals possess knowledge that merits preservation. Phillips also acknowledged the sacrifices made by military families and asserted that remembrance should reinforce the significance of protecting peace, exercising restraint, and upholding international law.

As part of the Remembrance Day observances, wreaths were laid at the War Memorial (Cenotaph) situated at the intersection of Church and Main Street, Georgetown, by representatives from the Joint Services, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from other agencies.