At Base Camp Stephenson, Base Commander Lieutenant Colonel Wilbert Lee serves lunch to the troops

In keeping with its tradition of spreading Christmas cheer, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) presented hampers and cash contributions, to the surviving spouses, children and relatives of seven of its members who passed away during 2013.

This was just one of the activities during which the force undertook to embrace and share the spirit of the Christmas season with its officers and ranks and their extended families, GDF said in a release.

The deceased ranks, whose spouses and relatives received the Christmas tokens were Lieutenant Ronald Gonsalves, Sergeant Viola George, Corporal Kevin Calder, lance corporals Eon Blair, Ravi Phillips, Akini Sampson and Private Charwyn Hooper.

Meanwhile, at all the GDF bases and locations, serving members of the force participated in gunfire activities. The army also hosted several Christmas lunches. Additionally, hundreds of children of members of the force were treated to much jollification and received gifts at the several special annual Children’s Christmas parties that were held.

Brigadier Mark Phillips extends best wishes to all officers and ranks of the force for a rewarding new year.

The chief-of-staff also thanked all its partners, for supporting the force in the effective conduct of its mandate, particularly, the communities in the immediate environs of its bases and locations.