Celebrating 60 years of service…  GDF awards 32 officers for excellence

Oct 23, 2025 News

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(Kaieteur News) – Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Irfaan Ali on Wednesday conferred medals to 32 officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) for their sacrifice, professionalism and exemplary service in observance of the Force’s 60^th Anniversary Medal Presentation Parade.

The presentation was held at Drill Square, Base Camp Ayanganna, Georgetown.

Celebrating six decades of service to the nation, GDF’s Public Affairs Officer, Heppilena Ferguson said that a total of 871 special medals have been approved for presentation to deserving members of the Guyana Defence Force in recognition of their distinguished, faithful and exemplary service.  Of this number, 32 recipients were awarded on Wednesday by President Ali, and the remaining officers will receive their medals subsequently.

The medals that have been presented are the Military Efficiency Medal, the Border Defence Medal, the Special Operations Medal, the Guyana Defence Force 60^th Anniversary Medal, the Engineer Border Operations Medal, the Search and Rescue Operations Medal, the Joint Services Operations Medal and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Medal.

According to Ferguson, each medal represents a proud tradition of courage, professionalism and devotion to duty, qualities that define the Guyana Defence Force. Detailing what each medals signifies, she noted that the Military Efficiency Medal is awarded to members who have displayed outstanding discipline conduct and devotion to duty throughout their service, upholding the highest traditions of military excellence.

The Border Defence Medal is awarded for distinguished service in the protection and defence of Guyana’s frontiers, often under demanding conditions, ensuring the continued sovereignty and security of the country’s borders. The Special Operations Medal is conferred for exceptional courage, skill and commitment, displayed during high risk special operations in defence of the nation, demonstrating tactical excellence, teamwork and resilience.

As it relates to the Guyana Defence Force 60th Anniversary Medal, she shared that this is awarded to active members of the Force in commemoration of six decades of proud and dedicated service to the nation.  “It honours all ranks who have contributed to the growth, professionalism and enduring development of the Guyana Defence Force, and who have done so as active members during the observance of the Force’s 60th Anniversary,” she added.

The Engineer Border Operations Medal, she noted recognises exemplary service in support of national development and security through engineering works in border regions. She explained that recipients have shown technical expertise, perseverance and innovation, contributing to mission success despite challenging conditions.

As for the Search and Rescue Operations Medal, this is awarded for outstanding service in life saving operations conducted under hazardous conditions, noting that recipients have displayed courage, skill and selfless devotion to duty in safeguarding lives and ensuring operational success.

The Joint Services Operations Medal is conferred for meritorious and dedicated service during joint operations conducted in defense of Guyana’s National Security, she said. Recipients of this medal have provided vital operational, logistical and technical support, strengthening interagency cooperation among the discipline services.

Finally, the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Medal is awarded for exceptional humanitarian service rendered during disaster relief operations within Guyana and abroad. She disclosed that recipients have exemplified bravery, compassion and selfless devotion, alleviating suffering and restoring stability in affected communities.  “Ladies and gentlemen, these medals collectively embody the spirit of service, sacrifice and professionalism that define the Guyana Defence Force. They are symbols of courage, loyalty and devotion to the forces proud motto of service,” she stated.

President Ali said this year’s Medal Presentation Parade holds special significance. “It coincides with a year of legacy honouring 60 years of service by the Guyana Defence Force. For six decades, the Guyana Defence Force has been the guardian of our national security and a defender of our sovereignty. This parade, therefore, is more than simply metals. It is about the values and virtues those medals represent,” he stated.

According to the President, each medal awarded tells a story, a moment of sacrifice, an act of leadership, a mission fulfilled on the challenge and a distinguished record of dedicated service.

He further said that the medals to be presented are not just decorations, but a formation of the very values that bind GDF together that is duty, loyalty, courage and honour.  Noting that the tradition of awarding medals is not given lightly, he explained that, “A medal is also a visible expression of gratitude from a nation to its defenders, pride. Through this tradition, we preserve the stories of those who have served with distinction, ensuring that their contributions are remembered and revered for generations to come.”

The President also informed that in this symbolic year, some of the medals being presented are newly instituted, created under his authority to broaden the ways in which they recognise excellence across the Force. These include the Commanders in Chief’s Special Series of Medals for Search and Rescue Operations, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response, Engineering Border Operations, Special Operations and Joint Services Operations.

He highlighted that each reflects what it means to be a soldier in a modern era, multi skilled and mission ready.

Speaking on one of the old standing medals, the President disclosed that “The Border Defence Medal recognises those who guard the nation’s frontiers, the men and women who stand between what is ours and what must remain ours. Yours is a service of patience, perseverance and pride. The map of Guyana engraved on that medal is not just a symbol; it is a promise that our land will always be defended by those who love it most.”

Addressing the recipients, the Head-of-State informed them that they wear more than metal on their chest, and that they wear the nation’s trust. “You carry the story of our collective resilience. You represent the very best of what it means to serve Guyana,” he said. Lastly, he reaffirmed GDF that his government remains fully committed to their development. “We are modernising this force, not only in equipment, but in mindset. We’re investing in your training, your technology and your welfare, because a strong nation must have strong defenders. We’re investing in yours and your family’s personal well-being. When you leave this force honourably, you can take comfort in knowing that you will be provided for,” he expressed.

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• anniversary, Excellence, GDF, Medal, officers

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