Dear Editor,
The Guyana Defence Force notes an article published in the Wednesday, March 5 edition of the Stabroek News which reportedly quoted Lt Colonel (rtd) George Gomes, making comments on the workings of its Force Welfare Fund (FWF).
As part of his comments, he reportedly stated, “…currently only $45,000 is given by the FWF toward funeral arrangements for members who have passed away.” Additional-ly, the article further quoted Gomes as reportedly stating that, “This was not enough and since ex-servicemen and veterans would have paid into the FWF it was only right that they be cared for in their time of need utilising the same funds.”
The Guyana Defence Force wishes to advise that its FWF was established to cater to the welfare of its serving members, and was never intended to address the needs of retired ranks.
Further, the Force would like to make it clear that it is not obligated to provide funeral assistance for any of its former servicemen.
Therefore, any assistance for funeral or otherwise provided to retirees from the GDF’s Force Welfare Fund is based entirely on the generosity of the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force.
Yours faithfully,
Major Lorraine Foster
Staff Officer One General Five (ag)
