[www.inewsguyana.com] – President Donald Ramotar announced on Friday (December 20) that all ranks in addition to receiving their five percent wage increase (retroactive) will also receive one month salary as a Christmas bonus. This move is seen as a continuation from offers made in previous years.
The announcement which was made during the Army’s Christmas Luncheon was well received and welcomed by ranks, who burst into loud cheers.
According to the Head of State, the Ministry of Finance has been advised accordingly and the payment is expected to be made before Christmas (December 25).
President Ramotar had expressed the hope that the offer will contribute to making the season much more enjoyable for ranks and bolstering them for what lies ahead in the New Year.
Meanwhile, the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces wasted no time in noting the need for continued training for ranks, this he hopes will also contribute to raising the professionalism within the force.
“The world is changing scientifically, technology and therefore it becomes imperative that we train our force to make it even more disciplined and professional and with all the other disciplines that are necessary to create a modern army,” he added.
President Ramotar advised that the training not be limited to military but must also to support life after the army.
“So when our soldiers would have left the army, they can continue to make a valuable contribution to development of the country, by acquiring skills and by lifting their educational standards within the Guyana Defence Force.”
He pointed out that Government spends millions on the equipment to ensure the army remains efficient and effective, and damaging these only places demands on the infinite resources available to Government that could have been expended elsewhere, bringing greater service to the people.
