President Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday announced that the disciplined forces will receive one month’s tax-free salary as a bonus for Christmas.

The Government Information Agency (GINA) reported last evening that Jagdeo made the announcement while addressing members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) at a luncheon at the military’s air corps base, at Timehri. The tax-free salary will benefit members of the GDF, Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Prison Service.

Jagdeo told the soldiers that he was pleased with the army’s performance recently and the way it has collaborated with the police and other divisions and disciplined services in the fight against crime.

According to GINA, Jagdeo reminded the servicemen of the integral role they play in ensuring a secure environment especially as it relates to Guyana attracting investment. Jagdeo also assured Chief of Staff Gary Best that he would support his command of the force to ensure that officers have alternative training and that the soldiers can have another skill.

The President wished the servicemen a happy Christmas, urging them to remember the significance of the season. “As we make merriment in our country, we recognize the important role that our security forces play in supporting these festivities because many of you are on duty and you are providing service to the nation whilst others are enjoying themselves,” GINA quoted the President as saying.