The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) building has been renamed the Doctor Roger Forbes Luncheon Building in memory of the late long-serving Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Presidential Secretariat.
Dr Roger Luncheon, 74, died on August 2nd. He had been ailing for some time.
At the unveiling ceremony yesterday of the commemorative plague to honour Dr Luncheon and what has been described as his invaluable contribution in the establishment of the agency, President Irfaan Ali said that “intelligence is not about spying,” but rather “gathering the relevant, timely information to ensure the safety and security of the country and its people”. Ali said it is also about “national development and national prosperity.”
Against this background, he said that the inscription of Dr. Luncheon’s name on the building represents national development and prosperity since they are integral parts of the country’s defence structure.
Given Dr Luncheon’s exceptional contributions to national development, and his strong understanding of national security, Ali said it was only fitting that his legacy be honoured by dedicating the building in his memory.
Ali said that one of Dr Luncheon’s strengths, was his ability to comb through volumes of data and sift out what really constituted a genuine threat to security which would warrant attention. “That was a special skill,” Ali said.
In his address, the President told Dr Luncheon’s family who was present at the ceremony, that it was not only the building that was being dedicated to the memory of their loved one, but also the work of men and women in uniform, “in ensuring our country remains safe.”
“They are fulfilling the legacy of Dr Roger Luncheon,” Ali said, while adding that he has left an indelible footprint on the nation’s security architecture.
Naming the building after him, Ali said, is therefore fitting in his honour as it is “not only paying homage to a man of exceptional calibre, but also associating his legacy with the important work of protecting our motherland.”
Ali said that Dr. Luncheon played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s security policies and plans; while adding that as Secretary for the Defence Board for many years, he acted in coordinating efforts to protect the country from both internal and external threats.
Ali went on to say that Dr. Luncheon’s dedication to the wellbeing of the people of Guyana, and his tireless work in maintaining law and order are of public record and acclaim.
Luncheon’s “legacy is one of sterling service” the President said, “exemplifying integrity and excellency, while adding that he was “a guiding light to the disciplined services, providing leadership and helping to safeguard our sovereignty.”
Ali shared with the audience that Dr. Luncheon continuously refused a national award; only until after he visited his office one day and spent more than two hours trying to convince him that he was deserving.
Ali said he told Dr Luncheon of his plans to have him bestowed with the Order of Excellence (OE) which he agreed he would accept himself once he was well enough to grace the awards stage.
The President said that that was a very happy moment for him (Ali), after being able to convince Dr Luncheon to accept the award. But it was not to be.
Against this background, Ali said that one of the areas in which the nation fails collectively, is its “celebrating our history and presenting our history.” On this point he said that that was one of the reasons he was pleased to swiftly move towards having the NISA building dedicated to Dr Luncheon’s memory, thus ensuring that “his place in history is not lost, but cemented for generations to come.”
Ali said that upon entering the building, different aspects of Dr Luncheon’s work will be on display.
He said, too, that in due course, a bust of him will also be placed in the lobby of the building.
“Because this magnitude of man must be an integral part of the history of our country,” the Head of State said.
To his family, the President said that their support and contributions are also invaluable to Dr Luncheon’s work and legacy.
In a vote of thanks, Dr Luncheon’s son Shaka Luncheon said that the family was grateful for the honour bestowed on his father, stating that it “does not only commemorate his legacy, but also reflects the deep appreciation and respect” for him and his contribution.
The significance of the dedication the younger Luncheon, who was visibly overcome with emotion, said represents his father’s values and patriotism; noting that the family was humbled by the President’s gesture which he said they will cherish as a constant reminder of his father’s legacy.
The inscription which the plague bears, says that in 2010, Dr Luncheon was instrumental in the establishment of the National Intelligence Centre which was renamed in 2017, the National Intelligence and Security Agency.
It said that “his exemplary leadership, wisdom and vision formed the foundation that has enriched the national security landscape of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
It goes on to say that “his contributions will forever inspire us and his legacy will contribute to shape the future of intelligence and security.”
The dedication ceremony was held in the NISA compound.
