…at Kaikan Christmas lunch
President Irfaan Ali on Thursday assured ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) stationed at Kaikan, Region Seven (Cuyuni- Mazaruni) that greater educational opportunities will be afforded to them, during a Christmas lunch in the community.
“I have no doubt that you have it in you. By acting upon your calling to serve your country, you will honour this responsibility. I appreciate too that the Executive has a role to ensure that you are treated well; to ensure that you have opportunities before you, to ensure that when you exit this segment of your life that you will be prepared and equipped to enter other areas or fields to continue your contribution to national development. This is important for you and your families,” he said.
President Ali disclosed that in 2021 ranks will benefit from scholarships and training. He challenged the ranks to select three most eligible ranks, from amongst themselves, to be given University of Guyana scholarships.
“Beginning next year, we will commence a programme to launch 20,000 new scholarships. Importantly, many of these diplomas, degrees and certificates will be achieved through distance or online training, giving you the opportunity to also participate. And I assure you in this location; our health workers, our teachers that these opportunities will meet you and you will be able to achieve your educational goals even in these locations, even with the difficulties of the pandemic,” the President said.
The President reiterated that even though a large portion of the 2020 Budget will be used to address the COVID-19 pandemic, his Government will fulfil its promises to the GDF.
“I assure you that not only are we concentrating on a bag of goodies at Christmas time, but we are concentrating on lifetime change, lifetime opportunity. And I assure you that during my tenure in office, your life, your family life will be better and you will be better equipped for the future.”
Ali told the ranks that they will receive two weeks of tax-free bonus in their upcoming salaries while thanking them for their sacrifices and commitment to protecting Guyana.
“I want to say to you that we have a bright future for Guyana in uniting this country, I depend on all of you in helping to unite this country. You are stationed here, see the unity of our country as part of your responsibility. There is no doubt that your life will improve, your condition of service will improve, your salary will improve. There is no doubt that our economy will expand. But if we are not united, if we cannot stand strong together, then we cannot fully appreciate and truly enjoy the benefits of that prosperity.”
Additionally, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces announced that resources will be set aside in the 2021 budget for, Marlon Daniels, a reserve to visit the community and work with residents to fix the water system. He noted also the need for there to be adequate lighting at the community’s airstrip.
Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Godfrey Bess also addressed the ranks and thanked President Ali for his unprecedented engagement in the community.
Following a cultural programme, Ali, as is customary, served the GDF ranks and joined them in the festivities.
