–President Ali says 20,000 scholarships to be made available from next year
–tailored housing programme to be implemented from GDF headquarters

PRESIDENT Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, in keeping with a commitment made while visiting soldiers stationed at Kaikan in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) last week, has presented Corporal Ryan Jordan, Lance Corporal Nikolai Moore and Private Michael Yarde with University of Guyana scholarships.
This was done on Friday at the Soldier’s Day celebrations at Base Camp Ayanganna, where Officers, Other Ranks and Civilian employees of the Force displayed true camaraderie.

President Ali said the scholarship presentation was the tip of the iceberg, and that the soldiers will benefit from many other opportunities, moving forward.
He pointed to the significance of giving them the power to select their peers, which, he said, will contribute to empowering the Unit to make decisions collectively.
The Head of State stressed, too, that this approach will help to foster an environment in which ideas could be shared through constructive and strategic discussions.
“We have set aside a special number of training opportunities… This time, it is not top down; this time the units will select who they believe is not only most qualified, but who they think should be given the priority. This is the way we are going forward,” President Ali said.

Further, the President said ranks of the GDF will benefit from programmes designed to enhance the quality of their lives.
The President announced that not only will the ranks benefit from a specially-tailored housing programme, but that it will be implemented from their headquarters, so that they will not have to “join the lines”, which will ensure a hassle-free process.
“I’ve already asked the Ministry of Housing to come up with a special housing programme that not only sees you owning your own house, but your own home,” he told soldiers present at Friday’s function.

He said that in addition to the housing programme, it is equally important to respond to the educational aspirations of the ranks. He then reminded them of the 20,000 scholarships which will be available from next year, and promised them that they will benefit.
“I want you to know we will have a special programme to ensure that you benefit from these scholarships,” President Ali said.

SIGNIFICANT DECISION
Delivering Christmas greetings to the troops, President Ali first broke the good news that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) had made a significant decision that will impact Guyana, going forward. “The Court ruled that it is has the jurisdiction to entertain the case which was referred to it by the Secretary-General of the United Nations. That case concerns the validity of the Arbitral Award of 1899,” he announced.

“Today’s decision represents the removal of an important hurdle in resolving, finally, the longstanding controversy between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Now that the issue of the Court’s jurisdiction has been determined, the way is now clear for Guyana to put its case to the Court concerning the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award. Guyana looks forward to successfully arguing its case before the ICJ. We are confident in the soundness of our case; we are confident also that the ICJ will uphold the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award, when it concludes this case. In the meantime, we must continue to protect our

Motherland, its people and its resources. Vigilance must continue to be our watchword,” he said, adding:
“I would like to thank all the members of Guyana’s legal team for their excellent work thus far; they can be assured that they have the full backing of the Government and the entirety of the Guyanese people. When it comes to our territorial integrity and sovereignty, there must be no division, political or otherwise; we must continue to stand united in the defence of our territorial integrity and our sovereignty. Today I wish to acknowledge and express my appreciation to you the men and women of the GDF. You have been kept watch over our territory; you have been ever ready to defend our country’s territory from threats, both foreign and local. Your role has not gone unnoticed, and will always be appreciated by my administration.”

The President noted that it has been an extremely difficult year for Guyana, but expressed confidence that the new year will bring the promise of better times, and bigger and greater achievements for the nation.
“I thank you all for your service. I extend to all of you and your families, greetings for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Keep safe, and continue to keep our country and its people safe and secure. I thank you.”
Chief of Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess highlighted the significant milestones in Guyana’s history when the GDF decidedly defended Guyana against external aggression, and emphasised that the GDF will continue to be ready to deter aggression, defend our national sovereignty, and ensure the development of our country as a safe and secure place.

“The Guyana Defence Force will continue to serve at our Locations at Eteringbang, Kaikan, Mabaruma and Morawannah, Lethem and New River, conducting patrols, gathering intelligence, and aiding in maintaining the safety and security of our citizens in those far-flung areas,” he assured.

ROSE TO THE OCCASION
The Chief of Staff noted that while this year had posed several challenges, the Force rose to the occasion, and delivered not only the safety and security of Guyana’s territory, but also contributed significantly to internal stability and peace, while also aiding in bringing relief to communities and citizens countrywide.
Recommitting the GDF to professional, dedicated and meaningful service to the nation, Brigadier Bess said that internally, officers and ranks must be ready to embrace a reorganisation of priorities internally.

“We have to comprehensively address wastage in all areas; this will apply to all resources provided under our command. While we have done well over the years, we have sometimes been afflicted by occurrences that have brought us collective pain, and sometimes a wee bit of embarrassment. Therefore, we will have to work harder at eliminating those things; those actions, those lapses which lead to such occurrences. We have to comprehensively address any and all breaches of Force regulations, such that we rebuild an environment of military discipline that we all can be proud of. This is not negotiable,” he said.

Brigadier Bess thanked the Commander-in- Chief for making good on his promise to better the quality of life for the soldiers. “This is very welcome, and your troops look forward to gaining such benefits. Indeed, as you have pointed out, when the soldiers exit this segment of their life, they will be prepared and equipped to enter other areas or fields to continue their contribution to national development. Individually and collectively, we are ready to engage in the lifetime opportunities and lifetime changes that you have charted. Rest assured, Excellency, that every officer and rank is happy at the announcements you have made regarding a better-quality life for each and every serviceman and woman; we have begun to live this life,” he said.
The Chief of Staff then extended best wishes to all for the Holiday Season.

“To all assembled here today, I say celebrate. Celebrate life! Celebrate the Season, but do so safely and responsibly! Keep adhering to the national COVID-19 regulations; keep yourselves and families safe and healthy! A Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to you all!”
As is traditional, the Commander-in-Chief and the Chief-of-Staff served lunch to the assembled troops.