The Guyana Legion is intensifying its drive to become more inclusive, by embracing all former and serving members of the Joint Services through its social programme.

The President, Colonel (Ret) Carl Morgan announced, recently, that more activities will be hosted to promote greater usage of the clubroom facilities at Coghlan House on Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown.

The bottom flat of the two-storey Legionnaires building has been refurbished for that purpose and can now be compared to most other places of entertainment in the city, with darts and table games, including billiards available, apart from on occasions organized by the Entertainment and Sports Committee.

Morgan said the daily bar, with snack foods, will be opened longer at weekends and, like on Fridays, when Eve’s special black and white puddings are on sale, other cutters will be introduced.

Morgan, noting that Legionnaires is still the preferred venue for wedding receptions and other celebrations, like decades ago. He hopes that, with the fresh approach, more of the target group will take up membership of the Legion too.

One can become a member, once accepted, with an entrance fee of $1,000 and an annual contribution of a similar sum, which entitles the individual to a badge, identification (ID) card and price discounts at specific shopping places.

The Legion has amended its constitution to afford full membership to all ex-service personnel of the military, para-military and other uniformed services, those serving in those institutions and others who served in Commonwealth and foreign armies but only recognized official national ones.

Associate members have since been allowed to vote at meetings and references to World Wars One and Two removed to ensure that recent retirees do not feel excluded.

All the changes have been ratified by the Commissioner of Friendly Societies with which  the Legion is registered.

The Government, as well, has been supportive of the formation of an umbrella organization to group all veterans of the Joint Services.