A statement issued by the Government of Guyana Friday highlights President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s remarks on the growing role of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in national security and nation-building. The President made the comments during the commissioning of a state-of-the-art hangar at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport in Ogle, East Coast Demerara. The new hangar comes with a price tag of GY$231.1 million, which is approximately US$ 1.1 million.
In his address, Ali underscored the close connection between the country’s defence strategy and its broader national development objectives. He emphasised that the GDF’s responsibilities extend beyond border security to supporting economic and social growth through disaster response, humanitarian aid, and safeguarding vital national resources.
The newly commissioned hangar is a significant investment in the GDF’s Air Corps, designed to enhance its ability to respond more quickly and effectively to various national needs. President Ali explained, “Our military must be ready: not just to defend our borders, but to assist in times of disaster, respond to emergencies, and contribute to national development.”
Ali also emphasised the importance of supporting military personnel throughout their careers, ensuring long-term benefits and stable career pathways. “We are not arming ourselves for aggression. We are arming ourselves for protection. We are building a Defence Force for resilience,” he stated.
However, despite the government’s considerable investment in modernising the military, members of the GDF remain underpaid relative to their counterparts in the region. Guyana is ranked the world’s fastest-growing economy and the richest per capita, giving rise to concern that the men and women of the GDF continue to face pay disparities that do not reflect their contributions to national security and development.
Opposition voices and military personnel alike have expressed frustration with the disparity in wages, pointing out that the GDF’s role in both defense and humanitarian efforts is critical, yet its members are still compensated below the standard of their regional counterparts. Critics argue that fair compensation should be prioritised alongside modernisation efforts to ensure that those who serve the nation are adequately rewarded for their work.
In addition to its security role, President Ali acknowledged the GDF’s vital contributions to humanitarian efforts, particularly during emergencies such as flooding or natural disasters. Through its air and ground operations, the GDF often provides immediate assistance to affected communities across the country.
President Ali concluded by reinforcing the link between defense, security, and national development. He stated that the government’s continued investment in the GDF is an investment in Guyana’s future, ensuring the country’s stability and fostering confidence among investors.
According to the president “Every pound spent on strengthening our Defence Force is a pound spent on safeguarding our economic potential, ensuring that investors have confidence in our stability, and in protecting the very foundation upon which development is built.” This fact draws greater attention to the urgency to address the remuneration disparity between Guyana’s disciplined services members and their Caribbean counterparts.
