Guyanese soldiers, who supported Jamaica’s rebuilding efforts, honoured

Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldiers recently returned home after a successful humanitarian mission in Jamaica, where they rebuilt 200 roofs and provided other support needed after the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

The contingent comprised one officer and 41 other ranks. The soldiers were each awarded the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Medal.

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forced, President Dr Irfaan Ali gave the ranks the medal at a ceremony held at Camp Base Ayanganna in Georgetown on Wednesday. The medal honours acts of bravery, compassion, and selfless dedication to alleviating suffering and restoring stability in affected communities, both in Guyana and abroad.

During their deployment, the GDF ranks operated in severely impacted communities, undertaking critical reconstruction tasks. They repaired and restored homes, directly improving living conditions for families and bringing much-needed relief and stability to the affected areas. Their work demonstrated resilience, discipline, and technical expertise under challenging conditions.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Cranston France, Commanding Officer of the 4 Engineer Battalion, highlighted the significance of the mission’s efforts.

“Reconstruction of 200 roofs across five districts, working in harsh conditions, facing uncertainty, yet delivering, restoring dignity, stability and hope, that is what service looks like.

Deployment was more than assistance, it was solidarity in motion,” he said.

In delivering the feature address, President Ali praised the soldiers for the courage, professionalism, and humanitarian they throughout the mission.

“You went to Jamaica as soldiers, you return as heroes.

“These medals tell a story of courage, humanity, and selfless service. When Hurricane Melissa swung through our region, leaving destruction in Jamaica, it was not a distant tragedy. It was a Caribbean tragedy. Guyana responded because that is who we are,” Dr Ali said.

He said the mission deployment to Jamaica was not and will never be a one off act of goodwill.

“Guyana will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Caribbean brothers and sisters when disaster strikes anywhere in our region,” President Ali said.

The ranks, who are experienced in disaster response, carpentry, and project management, were deployed starting from November 2025.

Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, highlighted the frontline leadership of the ranks.

“Boots on the ground is what gets the mission done. Resources do not move by themselves; it was you who operated, executed, and ensured that the objectives were achieved. The operation saw reconstruction of 200 roofs, improved living conditions, and restored homes. Beyond that, you served as ambassadors of Guyana, demonstrating the country’s commitment to regional solidarity,” Brigadier Khan said.