One Officer and 41 Ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were today conferred with the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Medal by President Irfaan Ali to mark their successful completion of Operation Melissa in Jamaica.

The 42 members of the GDF travelled to Jamaica in December, 2025 to offer much needed assistance after Hurricane Melissa – a Category 5 Hurricane – caused catastrophic damage to the island.

In an address, President Irfaan Ali said when disaster struck, the GDF Officer and Ranks responded to a call to offer humanitarian support without hesitation.

“You did not hesitate, you did not falter. You did not ask whether the task would be easy. You made us all proud. You carried supplies, yes, but more importantly, you carried hope. You built structures yes, but more importantly you helped to rebuild lives. You represented Guyana, not just with your uniforms, but with your discipline, your professional, your humanity and your skill,” the President said.

President Ali said the soldiers are proof that even in the darkest hours, solidarity can shine brightly.

The President said the soldiers have demonstrated that the Guyana Defense Force is not only a protector of the country’s sovereignty, but also a champion of humanitarian values.

“This mission underscores an important evolution in the role of the Guyana Defence Force. In today’s world, security is no longer defined solely by traditional threats, it is also defined by our ability to respond to humanitarian crisis, to manage disasters and to support communities in times of vulnerability. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response has become central pillars of the Guyana Defence Force Mission – this is not a secondary function, it is a core responsibility, and as such we must continue to invest in building the capacity of our Guyana Defence Force to respond effectively,” President Ali said.

President Ali said the destruction caused by the hurricane was a regional tragedy.

Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Omar Khan joined the President in welcoming home the Officer and Ranks, who answered the call to serve beyond the shores of Guyana.

Brigadier Khan said the deployment formed part of Guyana’s broader national response following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica.

“With a total engineering strength of one officer and 40 ranks each contributing specialized skills in carpentry, construction and project management, Operation Melissa was a resounding success. In particular, I want to recognize that during your deployment, you displayed the highest standard of professionalism, discipline and dedication. Additionally, you upheld the core value of service,” the Chief of Defence Staff said.

Captain Coast Guard Vernon Burnett said the successful completion of Operation Melissa stands as a clear demonstration of duty, regional solidarity, and the operational capacity of the GDF.

He said it was an honour to command the contingent that was deployed to Jamaica, adding that the mandate was clear – support recovery efforts, contribute to rebuilding and reaffirm the enduring bonds of cooperation between the two nations.

“Over the course of the deployment, the contingent successfully repaired two hundred roofs across affected communities, delivering immediate and meaningful relief to families impacted by the Hurricane Melissa. This effort restored not only physical structures, but also a sense of stability and security. The ranks of the Guyana Defence Force executed this mission with discipline, technical competence, and a high standard of professionalism, reflecting the very best of our institution,” Captain Burnett said.

The ranks of the 4 Engineers Battalion were deployed to Jamaica on December 5, 2025 and worked in collaboration with the Jamaica Defence Force and other stakeholders to bring relief to the people of Jamaica. The ranks returned on March 29, 2026.

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