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One-month tax-free bonus for joint services
(Kaieteur News) – President Irfaan Ali on Thursday announced a one-month tax-free bonus for members of the joint services.
The Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces was at the time delivering an address at the annual Christmas Luncheon hosted by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) at Camp Stephenson in Timehri.
He acknowledged the bravery and dedication of servicemen and women throughout the year, especially in protecting the nation’s sovereignty, which he underscored cannot be measured in dollars and cents.
President Irfaan Ali
The President said, “Every member of the force, regardless of rank, is essential to its strength and success and that respect flow in all directions. Every rank has its role and every role has its value. Every contribution matter, from the newest recruit to the most senior officer, the force operates as a single body with each part dependent on the other for strength and success…on behalf of the people of Guyana I thank you most sincerely for your service.”
To this end, he announced that the one-month tax-free bonus will benefit more than 13,000 members of the disciplined services and will cost the treasury $2.1B.
In prefacing his announcement, Ali pointed out the measures implemented by the government to compensate the disciplined services. He noted that over the last five years, his government has not only restored the payment of a one-month tax-free bonus but increased salaries, accelerated promotions, improved working conditions and expanded training opportunities.
He pointed out that the force over the past year continued to distinguish itself through its professionalism, disciple and dedication to duty and fulfilled its responsibility with resolve, often in demanding circumstances.
“You have protected Guyana’s borders, you have safe guarded our territorial integrity, you have upheld our sovereignty. These are not abstract achievements nor are they matters that can be measured in dollars and cents.”
Ali went on to point out that the Christmas season deepens the meaning of the forces’ responsibilities. “The message of Christmas does not deny the existence of conflict or danger but it insists that peace remains possible. Even in a troubled world when wisdom prevails over impulse and justice over force. As we celebrate this moment, let us remain alert to threats to peace even as we recommit ourselves to preserving it,” he urged.
The one-month tax-free bonus for members of the joint services came one day after the President announced that government will not be paying out a cash grant to the wider Guyanese population ahead of Christmas, although he previously hinted on the campaign trail that “you will have a bright Christmas.”
Public servants such as doctors, nurses and teachers will be expected for the first time in years to meet holiday expenses without any additional revenue from government to cushion their high expenses.
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