President Donald Ramotar sharing meals to junior ranks of the Guyana Defence Force at Camp Stephenson, Timehri.

[www.inewsguyana.com] – The men and women who serve in the nation’s joint services are to receive an extra month’s salary, President Donald Ramotar, announced when he addressed hundreds of soldiers, at Camp Stephenson, Timehri, yesterday, as they participated in their annual Christmas luncheon.

The president, who is also the Commander -in -Chief of the Joint Services, noted that it was his first visit to the base and said he hopes to visit other locations. He said that development is not possible without security; hence the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) role is central to this.

Mention was made of the fact that training was more than just being physically fit, as he welcomed the news that ranks were embarking on more training courses to equip themselves in various skills.

Government, President Ramotar, said is committed to equipping ranks with more “modern tools”, with which to do their jobs. As he referred to recent terror attacks and mass killings in Pakistan and Mexico, he insisted that security is not just about securing borders.

“It seems to me that more and more, we have to build cooperation, between the forces in the security sector and be able to come to each other’s assistance from time to time”.

In concluding, his address to the officers and other ranks, President Ramotar urged them to continue to uphold the good name of the GDF, even though some, a minute group, may seek to “soil the name” of the organisation.

He reminded those gathered that their job is to serve the people and country, “and it is in service that we will bring glory to the name of this organisation”.

President Donald Ramotar sharing a light moment with ranks of the Guyana Defence Force at Camp Stephenson, Timehri

Addressing his ranks, Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips said that 2014 was a good year for the military, noting that Base Camp Stephenson is the main operating staging and training base.

The GDF head congratulated the Air Corps which he said managed to keep its SkyVan aircraft airborne thus effecting savings of approximately $20million.

The Coast Guard also received special mention for maintaining the seaworthiness of the vessel, the GDF Essequibo over the year. Brigadier Phillips said that the GDF is the people’s army, and will work under the strategic direction of the president in a multi-agency approach with other joint services.[Extracted and modified from GINA]