(GINA) --
Members of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) got a Christmas present yesterday,
when Commander in Chief, President Bharrat Jagdeo, announced that they will
receive a bonus equivalent to two weeks' tax-free salary.
This is in
addition to the five percent increase which is retroactive to January 2003 to be
paid before Christmas.
President Jagdeo visited with his troops as part of their annual Christmas celebrations at Camp Stephenson, Timehri where the announcement was made amid cheers from the soldiers.
President Jagdeo having a Christmas lunch with soldiers at
Camp Stephenson's.
President
Jagdeo stated that this small gift could never compensate for the work of the
GDF through the year or truly reflect the gratitude of the Guyanese people. But
his gesture is a small token of his appreciation.
He said
instructions have also been given for similar arrangements to be made for
members of the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service and the Guyana
Fire Service.
The
President extended thanks on behalf of the nation to ranks for the way in which
they responded to internal security threats.
Chief-of-Staff,
Brigadier General Michael Atherley in extending Christmas wishes to those
present at Camp Stephenson sent special wishes to members of the GDF on the
border and others who will be on duty throughout the holiday season.
Atherley
said security matters dictate that there are no lapses and that the primary goal
of the GDF be fulfilled.
He
commended the Army for keeping their focus throughout the year and maintaining
levels of readiness.
He urged
them to be watchdogs at the highest level, while urging members to remember
their colleagues who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the year.
According
to Atherley, the GDF has been able to maintain its focus in Unit and sub-unit
training, exceeding 2002 levels. He also noted that most of the concentrated
training for the year 2003 was completed. The GDF has also been able to upgrade
training over the past 12 months.
They have
been able to maintain bilateral progress among the French, British, American and
Brazilian troops.
Members of
the GDF are also receiving special martial arts training from specialists from
the People's Republic of China.
In his
remarks to the ranks present, Jagdeo urged them to remain steadfast and they
will accomplish much.
As regards
our territorial integrity, President Jagdeo said strong support was received at
the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference for territorial integrity as
well as full use of the resources of the country.
According
to him this can assist to thwart the economic blackmail that has been laid
against development policies.
As regards
the border issue with Venezuela President Jagdeo said there is an abundance of
resources to transform the well being of both countries, once peaceful means are
utilized.
The
President said, come next year, he hopes an opportunity will present itself for
him to visit all Army camps.
In this
way, President Jagdeo envisions he will have an opportunity to hear from the
ranks, while at the same time conveying his plans for the nation so that they
will be clearer on national issues.
Jagdeo
thinks this method will help to eliminate some distortions through the print and
televised media.
President Jagdeo said he will continue to allocate needed resources to the Army.