President Ali: National security and development go hand in hand

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed that Guyana’s national security is inseparable from its national development, emphasising that the strength of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is foundational to the country’s progress and stability.

Delivering the feature address at the GDF’s 60th Anniversary Medal Presentation Parade held yesterday at Base Camp Ayanganna, the President said the event was not merely about the conferral of medals, but a celebration of the ideals and virtues that define military service.

“The support you receive both during and after your time in the Force, is part of a larger mission– the defence and advancement of our nation. This connection between individual dedication and the strength of Guyana itself reminds us that national security is inseparable from national development. To every medal recipient, you wear more than metal on your chest, you wear the nation’s trust. You carry the story of our collective resilience,” he said.

President Ali reminded the gathering that the parade holds a respected place within the Force’s traditions, describing it as a living expression of values such as discipline, respect, and pride in duty.

“As we continue, through this sixtieth anniversary year, may these medals stand as both reflection and renewal, reminding us where we have come from and calling us toward what we must still build,” he said.

During the ceremony, officers and ranks were recognised across several categories, including the Military Efficiency Medal (MEM) for professionalism and exemplary service, the Border Defence Medal (BDM) for safeguarding Guyana’s frontiers, and the Special Operations Medal (SOM) for excellence in specialised missions.

Each recipient also received the 60th Anniversary Medal, marking six decades of dedicated service to the nation.

Additionally, the President introduced a new Commander-in-Chief’s Special Series of Medals to expand recognition across the Force. These include the Engineering and Border Operations Medal (EBOM), Search and Rescue Operations Medal (SROM), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Medal (HADRM), and the Joint Services Operations Medal (JSOM).

Each reflects the evolving scope of military service, recognising courage, humanitarian efforts, and cooperation across the joint services.