Georgetown: Cheers erupted in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Camp Ayanganna auditorium when President Donald Ramotar announced a “one month pay” to members of the disciplined forces and informed that instructions have already been passed for the Ministry of Finance to ensure that the payments are available before the Christmas holiday.
The eagerly anticipated announcement came at the force’s Christmas luncheon commonly referred to as Soldiers’ Day, where senior ranks serve meals to junior officers and civilian staff of the force.
President Ramotar participated in the tradition of the serving officers whom he hailed for sacrificing time away from home and family for the defence of the nation, at times in difficult circumstances.
Reference was made to the hostile demonstration in Linden during July where the army was called in to support efforts to restore law and order after the town was cut off by protestors blocking the main access points.
The force also confronted and adequately addressed issues of indiscipline using the necessary procedures, Commodore Best was assured.
He was also satisfied with the force perpetuating a policy of regard for rights, rewarding officers for their performance and setting the precedent as the best accounting entity within the Government system.
With an annual Government subvention, the GDF has been well resourced to promote training for officers and provide them with adequate medical services which next year will cover soldiers and their families with a newly introduced insurance programme.
Commodore Best said Thursday that the force is particularly pleased with the support received this year from the Government which he assured will continue in years to come.
The army’s mandate to protect Guyana’s frontier is being supplemented by its role in the Joint Services, to maintain law order in the country but with poverty, transshipment of narcotics and access to science and technology, President Ramotar sees the need for the force to adapt.
“We cannot only see ourselves as only defenders, but we have to understand the purpose of the things we are doing, and that is to create a secure environment for us to have progress and development in Guyana,” President Ramotar said.
You must be logged in to post a comment.