Pres. Ali hails GDF as ‘heroes’ for Jamaica relief mission

Apr 09, 2026 News

Kaieteur News – President Irfaan Ali on Wednesday honoured members of the Guyana Defence Force for their courage and humanitarian service, describing them as “heroes” following their disaster relief mission in Jamaica.

President Ali honouring a member of the GDF on Wednesday (DPI story)

Speaking at a medal decoration ceremony at Base Camp Ayanganna, the president paid tribute to ranks deployed in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread devastation.

One officer and 41 other ranks were awarded the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Medal, recognising what the head-of-state described as “extraordinary courage, compassion and dedication.”

“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,” President Ali said.

He framed the mission as a defining example of Caribbean solidarity, stressing that Guyana’s response was driven by principle rather than obligation.

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

Highlighting the growing threat of climate change to small island developing states, Ali warned that natural disasters continue to pose severe risks to regional development.

“A single hurricane can undo years, sometimes decades, of progress, devastating economies and costing lives,” he said.

The president underscored that the GDF’s role now extends beyond traditional defence, with humanitarian assistance and disaster response forming a central pillar of its mandate.

“This is not a secondary function; it is a core responsibility,” he declared.

Praising the ranks for their impact on the ground, Ali added: “You carried supplies, yes — but more importantly, you carried hope. You went to Jamaica as soldiers; you returned as heroes.”

He reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to supporting Caribbean neighbours in times of crisis while emphasising the importance of national preparedness.

Also present at the ceremony were Chief of Defence Staff Omar Khan and Private Sector Commission Chairman Gerry Gouveia Jr., among other officials. (Modified from DPI)

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Caribbean solidarity, Disaster Response Medal, Guyana Defence Force, humanitarian service, Omar Khan and Private Sector

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