In a moving ceremony held at the Air Corps Hangar, Eugene F. Correia International Airport, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, conferred the Medal of Service on Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Mohamad Aziz Nezamudeen, honouring an extraordinary five decades of distinguished, selfless service to the Guyana Defence Force and the nation’s aviation sector.
The investiture followed the completion of yet another successful flight by Lt Col (Ret’d) Nezamudeen, a fitting symbol of his enduring commitment to duty. The President, who was also a passenger on that flight, remarked on the privilege of witnessing the aviation veteran in action and participating in the moment of recognition that followed.
“Fifty years of service. Fifty years of selfless dedication to our country,” the President said. “But perhaps most significantly, your mentorship of generations of officers — both young and experienced, has left an enduring legacy. Your name is etched into the history of our country, the history of aviation, and the history of the GDF.”
Describing him as the very definition of service, the President emphasized the deep impact Lt Col (Ret’d) Nezamudeen has had on the GDF Air Corps and the aviation community at large. “Your leadership and knowledge have guided countless officers. You helped shape the Air Corps and inspired excellence wherever you served,” he noted.
The Medal of Service is one of the nation’s most prestigious honours, awarded to individuals who have rendered at least ten years of outstanding service in the public sector or to community institutions. Lieutenant Colonel Nezamudeen has surpassed that standard fivefold — with a career marked by more than 26,000 hours of accident-free flying and a legacy of excellence that continues to inspire.
In his own remarks, Lt Col (Ret’d) Nezamudeen reflected with humility on his journey. “Today touches the very soul of a path that began 50 years ago, with a young man gazing at the skies, dreaming of flight,” he said. “This journey has been filled with challenges, sacrifices, and great fulfilment. I am deeply honoured to accept this award not just for myself, but in memory of those who flew before me, those who flew beside me, and those yet to take to the skies.”
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Mohamad Aziz Nezamudeen’s contributions are deeply embedded in every phase of the GDF Air Corps’ development. From its early years to its modern-day capabilities, his fingerprints are on every transformation. Even in retirement, he has continued to serve with unwavering passion, mentoring a new generation of aviators and continuing to inspire by example.
The Guyana Defence Force and the people of Guyana salute a true pioneer, a man whose life in service is as vast and remarkable as the skies he has spent a lifetime navigating.
