National Veterans’ Trust to be established

Nov 14, 2018 News

Minister of State Joseph Harmon has indicated that the government intends to establish a National Veterans’ Trust. He made the declaration during an address on Sunday at the annual Remembrance Day observance held at the Guyana Veterans Legion, Coghlan House, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown.
The Minister delivered the remarks on behalf of President David Granger, who is a patron of the Guyana Veterans Legion.
“Remembrance Day, which has been set aside to recall the end of hostilities and to honour the memories of those who perished during the world wars, is a continuous reminder that World War I was one of the deadliest conflicts in human history,” Harmon reflected.
He also said that while the end of World War I in November 1918 did not bring about an end to wars, Remembrance Day should be a moment of reflection on the ravages and futility of wars along with the colossal waste of human resources and material and the socioeconomic consequences that followed.
“It is also a day when we reaffirm our commitment to a world free of conflict, a world where differences are settled peacefully and without resort to threat or use of force. This is also a day for us to be reminded of our duty and obligation as a grateful nation, to show meaningful support and a life of dignity for military veterans,” he said.
The Minister then called on the Guyana Veterans Legion to be resolute in ensuring that the welfare of veterans receives its “justified and maximum attention”. He further asserted support for the veterans by reminding them that they are not alone in the quest for a dignified life, pointing to the President’s resolution, called a National Veterans Commission, which was piloted in November 2013 through the National Assembly. The Commission, tasked with examining the conditions and circumstances facing veterans and the Defence Forces aims to make recommendations to ensure their health and welfare.
“…Within a short space of time, we would be advised as to the government’s position on these recommendations,” Minister Harmon said.
Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Veterans’ Legion, retired Lieutenant Colonel George Gomes spoke of the history of Remembrance Day, even while appealing to government and overseas missions to “please help us do better for our veterans”. He said that there are 15 survivors of World War I as he pointed to Mr. Benjamin Durant who will be celebrating his 100th birthday on Thursday, November 15, 2018 and Mr. Gerald Stewart who recently turned 97 years old.
Referencing the Commission of Inquiry, Lieutenant Colonel (rtd) Gomes expressed gratitude to the President for establishing it, as veterans across the country stand to benefit from recommendations.
“Remembrance observances continue to be a significant time in Guyana.”
Meanwhile, in his address, British High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr. Greg Quinn said, “In being here we do not honour war or death, but rather, we commemorate those who have given their lives in the service of our respective countries…their bravery was key in securing the allied victory. These men fought thousands of miles from their homelands for a country they have never been to, but for a purpose they believed in.”
The British envoy said that the Government of the United Kingdom, through the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League would be providing additional assistance to 7,000 veterans and their widows in 30 commonwealth countries, including Guyana.
“Our servicemen and women continue to protect us in difficult and dangerous situations. Many of us here have lost friends, colleagues and family members in service and it is important that we honour their memories. They have not died in vain,” the High Commissioner said.

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