A fond farewell from visiting Gurkhas
THE Gurkhas said a fond farewell to Guernsey yesterday with a promise to come back whenever they are invited.
The 10-strong Company Sittang had been in Guernsey for the weekend’s Coronation and Liberation Day celebrations.
‘We have loved every minute of our stay,’ said Commanding Officer Major Ramkumar Rai.
‘The Coronation parade was super brilliant, and the Bailiff and Lt-Governor spent a long time chatting to us at Liberation Day and were very complimentary.
‘This was the first time in Guernsey for all of us. We are always hoping to be invited back.
‘It would probably be another unit, as it’s only fair to give everyone an opportunity, but if they asked me again I’ll run at the chance.’
Major Rai joined the Gurkhas 33 years ago. Like all his unit, he was born and raised in Nepal.
‘To be a Gurkha you have to be from Nepal,’ he said.
‘My son, for example, couldn’t join, as he’s a British citizen. He can join the regular army, but he can’t be a Gurkha.’
The Gurkhas travelled on the afternoon ferry to Poole and onwards to their base at Sandhurst.
They were travelling with 10 Chelsea pensioners who were also in the island over the long weekend.
Condor Ferries provided free upgrades to the 20 special visitors, who arrived in the island last Thursday.
The Gurkhas concluded their visit with a morning tour of the island and lunch at the Yacht Club.
‘Guernsey is stunning with beautiful, lovely people. They have been such smiling hosts,’ said Major Rai.
But he confessed to one regret.
‘I would like to say sorry to all the people we didn’t have time to have a photo taken with after the parades, as we had to be at another function.
‘Apologies – we really wanted to do a photo with everyone.’
