HISTORY OF GUYANA EX-SOLDIERS ASSOCIATION In 1983 a group of Veterans residing in the greater Toronto area saw the need for an association so that Guyanese ex military personnel and their families would get together to socialize, reminisce and share information that would be beneficial to the group, hence the formation of the Guyana Ex Soldiers Association (Canada). This association started as a social club but over the years it has evolved into a service organization as well. The aims and objectives of the association are to: Foster and promote strong social and economic ties among Guyanese Ex-military personnel and their families. Forge links with other organizations with similar goals and objectives in order to exchange information, ideas and develop strong working relationships. Offer assistance to the people of Guyana in the event of a national disaster or other needs. Provide assistance to members of the Association in times of need. Provide opportunities to educate members in financial management as well as health and welfare matters. Provide medical and financial assistance to the military veterans in Guyana. With the help of our supporters, over the years we were able to assist many worthwhile causes such as: ◊ The Diabetes Association of Canada ◊ The Sickle Cell Society of Canada ◊ The Sick Kids Hospital Toronto ◊ The Flood Relief Fund, Guyana ◊ The shipping of beds to hospitals in Guyana ◊ The Veterans Home in Guyana ◊ The Burn Unit of the Georgetown Hospital, Guyana ◊ Guyanese residents requiring medical attention in Canada and India Membership is open to any Canadian resident who served in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana’s People’s Militia (GPM), Guyana National Service (GNS), British Guiana Volunteer Force (BGVF), spouses and children aged 18 years and older of ex military personnel who served in any of the forces mentioned are also eligible for membership. Meetings are held on the first Sunday of every month except when circumstances prevent this from happening. Over the years the members, their families and friends were given several stimulating lectures. Zamal Ruffudeen on “Taxation”, Dr. Haskell Edwards on the “Immigrant Family”, Dr. Ken Ramphal (Former Captain GDF) on “Racism in the school system and society and how to deal with it”, and “A history of the GDF” by Lt. Hartley Liverpool. While our long term goal is to support as many worthy causes as possible, our short term goal is to support our less fortunate brothers and sisters, in Guyana, who have fallen on hard times. We realize the importance of a sound education, thereby encouraging our youths to graduate at the highest level and to strive for excellence. Our plan is to establish, in the near future, an educational fund to give yearly bursaries to children in the Guyanese Diaspora who provide proof of excellent academic achievement, true leadership skills, and solid commitment to their communities.
