Dear Editor,
Again, I find myself in a short space of time having to correct a public statement, this time one that was made by the PPP’s General Secretary, Mr. Jagdeo, at that Party’s weekly Press Conference dated Thursday 21st August 2025.
Speaking about the Joint Services’ annual bonus, Jagdeo insinuated that “Collins’ ” and “Best’s” presence in the Granger’s administration should have ensured the Joint Services bonus was retained.
Because it was not, Mr. Jagdeo concluded that the hard-working, underpaid and under resourced members of the Joint Services under this PPP administration should not believe Mr. Norton’s promise to improve their welfare as detailed in the APNU’s Manifesto.
Editor, Jagdeo is wrong again! Since it is more than a promise by Mr. Norton. It is a commitment! Secondly, Mr. Norton made it very clear to all Guyana that APNU’s manifesto is about “Putting People First.” Therefore, the APNU will put the members of the Joint Services first.
To the members of the Joint Services, I say to you that I am confident that Mr. Norton and the APNU will provide bonuses to the Joint Services, because unlike the previous iteration, Mr. Norton consulted widely, including with me, on the matter before it was included in the Manifesto.
In any event, the members of the Joint Services are much wiser than Mr. Jagdeo thinks and they can detect the difference in the current List of APNU Candidates between then and now. A mixture of experience and talent never seen before. A totally new set of personalities and thus a different Cabinet in whom there is great confidence.
Editor, I wish to give my word to my Brothers and Sisters in the Joint Services that Mr. Norton will live up to his commitment to them in terms of bonuses, increased salaries, free house lots, cash grants, cash support to their children, amongst the many commitments in our Manifesto.
In that regard, I call on each and every one of you to fear not; and Vote wisely. Vote APNU.
Highest regards,
Rear Admiral (Rtd)
Dr. Gary Best
Attorney at Law and Candidate for the APNU
Former Chief of Staff and Chairman of the Joint Services
