Location: Thomas Lands, Georgetown
Classification: Military
Period/ Year Built: Established 1965
Historical Background / Description:
The Guyana Defence Force is mandated by the constitution of Guyana to defend the country’s territorial integrity; assist the civil power in the maintenance of law and order when required and to contribute to the economic development of the nation. The military institution was established on November 1, 1965, and began under a team of instructors from the United Kingdom. The Camp Ayanganna base is located with its main entrance on Thomas Road, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.
Camp Ayanganna is home to its own military museum, the Guyana Defence Force Military Museum. It was officially declared opened on October 31, 1975, by Mrs. Viola Burnham, wife of Prime Minister Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. The facility was established to support research into military matters and to serve, partially as a repository.
The National Veterans Monument is located on the lawn of Camp Ayanganna. The memorial was built in memory of the men and women who served in the Military Forces of British Guiana and Guyana. It was unveiled in November, 2005, by President Bharrat Jagdeo. Mounted on the lawn of the base are three cannons which serve as stand guards. The cannon that is branded as 67978 is classified as a 9 pounder Blomefield pattern measuring some 2.6 metres (8 feet 6 inches) and weighing 28 cwt. The other two cannons are described as 12 pounder Blomefield cannons and weigh some 29 cwt.