GEORGETOWN, Guyana — In a milestone ceremony Wednesday, President Irfaan Ali unveiled a new suite of medals honouring members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) for exceptional service, courage and innovation as the Force celebrated its 60th anniversary.
Held at Base Camp Ayanganna, the ceremony saw the presentation of 32 of the 871 medals approved under the new national honours framework. The awards, Ali said, recognise “the men and women who continue to defend, build and serve our country with distinction.”
“The GDF is more than a guard of our sovereignty — you stand as the embodiment of duty, sacrifice and excellence,” the President said, noting that the new honours highlight the evolving nature of military service in the 21st century.
Among the newly created decorations are the Military Efficiency Medal, Border Defence Medal, Special Operations Medal, Engineer Border Operations Medal, Search and Rescue Operations Medal and the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Medal. The GDF 60th Anniversary Medal was also introduced to mark the occasion.
Ali said the medals symbolise continuity and purpose. “They reflect the chain of service from one generation to the next — the values we uphold, the allegiance pledged and the legacy we pass on,” he remarked.
He encouraged members of the Force to see the awardees as role models: “Let this ceremony be a mirror. See in your colleagues what you can become. Let their dedication fuel your ambition. Wear more than a badge — carry our people’s trust.”
The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the military through greater investment in training, technology and welfare. “A strong nation must have a strong defence,” he said.
As the parade concluded, decorated officers stood before their Commander-in-Chief to receive their medals, cheered on by family members and colleagues. Analysts say the introduction of the new awards reflects the GDF’s expanding role in humanitarian, engineering and national-development operations alongside traditional defence duties.