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GDF officers sue Chief of Staff for annual bonus
Four Senior Officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) have moved to the Courts against Chief of Staff Commodore Gary Best over the non- payment of annual bonuses which were issued to soldiers by President Donald Ramotar last year.
A lawsuit was filed against the Defence Force Head after he allegedly denied Officers the bonus amounts from the government.
The motion was filed in the High Court to overturn Best’s decision to withhold the payments. It also requests that the Chief of Staff be directed to pay out the monies.
Chief of Staff Commodore Gary Best
Kaieteur News understands that come next week, Commodore Best will make an appearance at the Supreme Court to explain why he should not be ordered to pay up the bonuses.
Last December, at the annual GDF Christmas luncheon, President Ramotar announced one month’s salary bonus for members of the army.
The Chief of Staff reportedly decided not to pay out any bonuses to soldiers or officers who may have or had any disciplinary matters taken against them.
Over 100 members of the GDF were said to have been affected by the decision.
Allegations surfaced that prior to the President’s announcement, a request was made via messaging system, where Commanding Officers were to identify army staffers who had unfavourable issues within the Force and a list of names were to be submitted.
It is understood that the Chief of Staff has sought legal advice from the Chambers of the Attorney General.
Arguments have however been brewing over the powers held by the Chief of Staff.
Speaking to some retired officers, Kaieteur News was told that as the head of the GDF, Best reserves the right to determine what is best for his staffers. That is, if he (Best) is of the view that as punishment or disciplinary action, an officer’s bonus is withheld, he reserves the right to do so.
Other officers argued that since the President granted the bonus for soldiers, Best is not supposed to withhold any monies. In fact, the pay master should also be taken to court, Kaieteur News was told.
When Kaieteur News made contact with Commodore Best yesterday, he opted to remain silent on the issue.
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