– says payment will be made effective from January 1st this year
THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has taken note of an article in the Tuesday February 11, 2014 edition of the Kaieteur News titled, ‘Camp Groomes survivors still await word on meaningful compensation’, and wishes to assure the claimants that their benefits are forthcoming.The army, in a statement yesterday, said a proposal for the injured soldiers to be paid benefits as if they have already retired was approved by the Defence Board. However,“a recomputation resulting in improved benefits for them, is currently being verified to ensure payment, shortly”. The further amendments, which were necessary to give them more money, resulted in the delay, the GDF said, adding that their benefits when paid will be effective from 2014-01-01.

High ranking officials of the GDF met with the survivors yesterday morning and explained the delay in processing. Additionally, the ranks were assured that the Force is in touch with all involved agencies to have the process completed by February 28. They were each given an advance payment to take care of their expenses until they receive the promised gratuitous payment. In the meantime, the Force is prepared to continue addressing the welfare concerns of the soldiers until they are in receipt of their benefits.

The Guyana Defence Force said it regrets the inconvenience caused due to the delay and will seek to make any interventions to ensure a speedy conclusion of this matter. The Force wishes to assure the soldiers that it values the contributions which they have made and remains committed to its serving and past members.