Granger promises National Veterans Department
Granger said, “A Veterans Act will put Veterans affairs on a sound footing for the first time in the history of the GDF.” Granger told the packed hall that APNU+AFC was committed to the following;
- Veterans’ Commission: APNU+AFC will pass a ‘Veterans Act’ in Parliament and establish a permanent, full-time Commission to administer veterans’ affairs.
- Veterans’ benefits: APNU+AFC will arrange for discounts on the cost of food and medicine at commercial enterprises and will provide books, snacks, transport and uniforms for veteran’s children to go to school.
- Veterans’ pensions: APNU+AFC will increase the pensions of all veterans and lower the cost-of-living by reducing the value-added-tax on essential goods.
- Veterans’ Trust: APNU+AFC will provide finance for a Trust which will assist veterans to gain access to land for housing and farming; continuing education and skills training; Employment; small enterprise development and welfare.
- Age of retirement: APNU+AFC will review the age of retirement of all military personnel to allow for longer, satisfying and successful careers.
Granger thanked the Veterans for their service to Guyana and assured them that an APNU+AFC administration would be forward looking and urged the veterans to think seriously about investing in Guyana. Recalling his early days as an Officer in the GDF, Granger said that his military foundation had prepared him for service at the highest level.