Wounded GDF rank raises concerns over post-injury support
August 16 2026
Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard Lance Corporal Shamar Calder has raised concerns about the support he has received since being injured during an attack along Guyana’s western border, including financial assistance and the status of housing support for his family.
Calder, 23, in a video interview with Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, claims that he has received no additional financial assistance beyond his regular salary since being shot in his right thigh while on duty along the Cuyuni River.
The father of three said the injury continues to cause pain and has affected his ability to stand for long periods, while also preventing him from doing construction work that previously provided him with additional income.
The concerns prompted a response from the GDF, which said claims that Calder did not receive adequate support are inaccurate.
Calder was reportedly injured when a GDF Coast Guard team escorting civilian vessels along the Cuyuni River came under attack.
Calder also spoke about his efforts to secure a home for his family. He said he submitted a housing application in 2024 and was later asked to provide supporting documents, including his children’s birth certificates. However, he said he has continued to await an update.
He also said the Men on Mission programme contacted him about assistance with constructing a home but indicated that land would first have to be registered in his name.
Calder said he currently lives with his family in a house belonging to his fiancée’s sister and expressed a desire to have a home of his own.
According to the Force, Calder was medically evacuated to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) following the May 29 attack, where he received immediate treatment and was placed under observation.
He subsequently received specialist follow-up through the GPHC and the GDF Medical Corps.
The GDF said Calder was readmitted to the GPHC on August 1, where the projectile lodged in his leg was surgically removed. He was discharged on August 3 and is currently on authorised sick leave.
The Force added that Calder continues to receive psychological support through the GDF Medical Corps, while administrative matters relating to his welfare and that of his family are being addressed.
The GDF said it remains committed to supporting personnel injured in the line of duty throughout their recovery and rehabilitation.
