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Dec 19, 2014 News
Members of the Joint Services are to receive an extra month’s salary, President Donald

President Donald Ramotar sharing meals yesterday to junior ranks of the Guyana Defence Force at Camp Stephenson, Timehri.
Ramotar announced yesterday, during the annual Christmas luncheon at Camp Stephenson, Timehri.
The President, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Joint Services, noted that it was his first visit to the base, and lauded the continuous training of the army ranks.
He pointed to the recent terror attacks and mass killings in Pakistan and Mexico, insisting 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.”
He said that Government has invested significantly in the military and it would be a waste if those army resources could not be used to strengthen other areas in the security sector.
He urged the officers and ranks to continue to uphold the good name of the GDF, despite a few groups who seek to soil the name of the army.
Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips noted that Base Camp Stephenson is the main operating staging and training base. Ranks have also trained more and conducted additional courses than in many previous years, he added.
The GDF head was high in praise for the Air Corps which he said managed to keep its Skyvan aircraft airborne helping to save about $20M. The Coast Guard also received special mention for maintaining the seaworthiness of the vessel, the GDF Essequibo, over the year.

President Donald Ramotar being offered a sip from the “Trophy” by a rank of the Guyana Defence Force
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. He also assured the President of the GDF’s commitment to the defence and security of Guyana, particularly in face of the upcoming General and Regional Elections.
The occasion also saw the Commander-in-Chief helping to serve meals to junior ranks.
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