The Guyana Defence Force (GDF), together with its Joint Services counterparts, has been formally recognised for outstanding contributions to national security during the 2025 General and Regional Elections.
At an After-Action Review for OPERATION PLEXUS, held at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary, His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali presented the Joint Services Medal (JSM) – Class A to seventeen officers and ranks. These individuals were recognized as representatives of the larger group receiving the award for their meritorious and dedicated service during the operation, which took place from August 20 to September 8, 2025.
According to the official citation, the medal honours those who were at the forefront of direct action that enabled the effective execution of the operation. Their commitment, bravery, and professionalism not only ensured and brought great credit upon themselves and the Joint Services as a whole.
The ceremony was attended by heads of the disciplined services, including Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS; Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken; Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot ; Chief Fire Officer, Gregory Wickham; National Security Advisor, Captain Gerry Gouveia, AA ; and Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency, Colonel Sheldon Howell, MSM among other senior Joint Services officers. Their presence underscored the collective nature of the operation and the shared responsibility in safeguarding Guyana’s democracy.
In his address, President Ali praised the Joint Services for their discipline, vigilance, and professionalism in ensuring that the elections, a critical aspect of Guyana’s democratic life, were conducted peacefully. He emphasised that, “Elections are the lifeblood of democracy. Because of your vigilance, passion did not become provocation, and decisions did not descend into disorder. For this, we thank you, for this we honour you, and for this history will remember you.”
The Commander-in-Chief further stressed that the medal represents a national symbol of appreciation for the sacrifices and steadfast service of those who maintained law and order during the operation.
Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, also commended the ranks for their efficiency and coordination. He recalled a critical moment on the Cuyuni River when GDF personnel and their Joint Services partners successfully thwarted an attempt to disrupt the process, reaffirming the commitment of the Joint Services to deliver the kind of security the people of Guyana both expect and deserve.
For the GDF, this recognition was more than just the presentation of a medal; it was a national acknowledgement of the courage, sacrifice, and leadership of its soldiers in securing one of the most important chapters in Guyana’s democratic history.
