‘We’re committed to securing your future & the wellbeing of your families’ – Pres. Ali tells GDF officers

Commander in Chief of the Armed Force President Dr Irfaan Ali today assured members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) that he has their interest at heart.

“To our servicemen and women, we will stand with you as you stand with us. You have our gratitude, our respect, our full support. To our brave men and women on our Defence Force, just as you stand guard over our nation’s security, we’re committed to securing your future and the wellbeing of your families,” he told those gathered at the Commissioning of the Guyana Defence Force Air Corps’ Hangar at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

He noted that through the Ministry of Finance, the Government has started adjusting the salaries and benefits of the country’s men and women in uniform. Beyond that, he noted that long-serving members of the joint services must be able to enjoy their retirement.

“I do not want a Police Force and equivalent in the GDF, where people work for 27 years or 30 years and retire as a Constable or Corporal,” the president said.

“The system must be much more straightforward because when I spoke about retirement in dignity, it is allowing people to maximise their achievement before retirement so that can maximise their benefits upon retirement,” he explained.

The President said the Ministry of Finance was tasked with creating a document for adoption in the new budget cycle which will allow police officers and soldiers to enjoy a certain level of benefits when they have worked for more than 25 years.

“Service matters. Service must count and that is service with dignity and honour,” he said to the applause of those sitting in the audience.

“When your service to this nation is complete, you should never have to wonder how you will protect your families,” the Head of State assured.

In its strategy for the development of law enforcement, President Ali said specialised jobs including pilots and engineers must be retained.

“We will make every investment necessary to have what it takes to secure our nation’s sovereignty and integrity,” he noted.