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About Us
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An informal organization of Guyana Defence Force veterans took form on Sunday 8 June 1986 by way of a
meeting held at 3608 Clarendon Rd, Brooklyn (David’s Guyana Restaurant). The meeting was attended by
twenty-eight former members of the GDF who were resident in the New York area. Two serving members of the
GDF also attended.
That meeting was convened, after a few weeks of informal discussions, held by a founding group of Guyana
Defence Force veterans. Members of the founding group were Ian Fraser, Claude Woolward and Maxwell Hinds.
The stated goal was to build an organization that could reinforce the bonds of friendship and brotherhood which
were fostered during active service in the Guyana Defence Force.
At that meeting, a Steering Committee was established. Ian Fraser was appointed President of the Steering
Committee. Neville Layne and Edward Assing were appointed as Vice-Presidents, Maxwell Hinds as Secretary,
Fairborn David as Treasurer and Everett Lilly and Claude Woolward as Committee Members.
It was not until 2001 that The XGDF Association of New York was eventually incorporated.
Early Activities
A Reunion Function was held at Small Boy’s Lounge
on Utica Avenue on 23rd August 1986.
The first Dinner Dance of the Association was held on 26th December 1986 at the Tropical Springs Ballroom,
Nostrand Ave, in Brooklyn.
Sporting events were organized and family gatherings were encouraged.
Membership
As of September 2008, there were 152 Financial Members on record. There are three Honorary Members.
Membership dues are currently one hundred dollars per year. Life Membership may be granted on the
recommendation of two life members in good standing, after the aspirant has served at least three years as a
financial member.
Meetings
The venue for meetings was the backyard of David’s Restaurant.
As time went on, meetings were rotated among the homes of members.
In 1995 the members began pooling resources to purchase a building.
In 1996 they acquired a mixed-use property with two apartments and a storefront at 132-16 Rockaway Blvd,
South Ozone Park, New York.
.Meetings are now held at that building on the third Sunday of every month. From 6:00 pm
Social gatherings by family and friends are encouraged at weekends.
Members also utilize the premises to celebrate special family occasions.
A domino club – the New York Domino Association - has been established and meets there regularly.
A dinner club- The Curry Club- has also been established by some Life Members who meet on a weekly basis.
Major Events and Activities
Each year the program of the Association features a Barbecue on the Saturday closest to 4th July.
A family fun day is held at Hempstead State Park in the second week of August.
Other occasions when families of members are able to socialize and strengthen their relationships are Mother’s
Day, Father’s Day and Veterans Day.
Fundraisers
Other activities are organized mainly to raise funds. An annual bus ride is organized for that purpose.
Fundraising Dances are also held from time to time.
Outreach
The Association reaches out to veteran soldiers of the Guyana Defence Force residing in Maryland, New Jersey,
Georgia, California, Toronto Canada and Guyana.
The XGDF Association of Guyana was established in February 2008.
The XGDF Association of Georgia was established in May 2008.
The Guyana Ex-Soldiers Association of Canada (founded in 1983) and The GDF Veterans of LA (founded in
2000) are friendly organizations with close ties to the XGDF of New York.
The Guyana Legion and the Guyana Veterans Foundation - ( Guyana-based) - are also friendly organizations,
with close ties to the XGDF of New York..
Cordial relationships have also been established with other Guyanese-American organizations in the New York
area.
Charitable Activities
Occasionally, donations are made to GDF veterans in the USA and Guyana. Donations to Guyana’s veterans
have included cash, toys, medical supplies and used clothing. In some instances, funeral expenses of veterans
have been supplemented with donations from the organization.
Each year a Christmas Party is held for children in the GDF veteran community of Queens and Brooklyn.
Guyanese cultural and sports ventures in the New York area have also been beneficiaries of the goodwill of the
XGDF Association.
Conclusion
The XGDF Organization is constantly streamlining its operations and image in promotion of the best interests of
all veterans of the Guyana Defence Force.
Increased fund raising is a major focus. The intention is to increase charitable activity in the general community
and to develop a strong support network in the service of Guyanese military veterans and their families.
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