Ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were formally welcomed home and decorated on Wednesday for their role in a regional humanitarian mission to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa in late 2025.
The ceremony at Base Camp Ayanganna recognised officers and troops, primarily from the Fourth Engineers Battalion, who were deployed under “Operation Melissa” to assist with relief and reconstruction efforts.
Delivering the feature address, President Irfaan Ali said the mission reflected Guyana’s commitment to regional solidarity. “The strength of a nation is revealed not only in how it defends its territory, but in how it extends its hands to others in their hour of need,” he said.
Chief of Defence Staff Omar Khan said the Category Five hurricane affected more than 626,000 people and damaged over 120,000 buildings. He noted that the mission evolved from immediate relief to reconstruction, with troops tasked with rebuilding 200 roofs for vulnerable families.
“Your results speak for themselves… you successfully completed all 200 assigned roofs,” Khan said, adding that the work “restored homes, improved living conditions, and brought relief and dignity to families.”
Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Gerry Gouveia Jr, praised the troops and the national effort behind the mission. “You have exemplified service above self,” he said, adding that the private sector played a key role in supply chain management, logistics and funding.
President Ali also highlighted the growing threat of climate change, noting that “the intensity and frequency of natural disasters are increasing,” and emphasising the vulnerability of small Caribbean states.
The deployment is part of Guyana’s broader regional disaster response efforts, following previous interventions in Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The mission strengthened Guyana’s reputation as a leading humanitarian responder in the Caribbean.
