President Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday announced a Christmas bonus for all members of the disciplined forces in addition to their five per cent salary increase for 2003.

The bonus will represent two weeks tax-free salary, a release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said yesterday. The Commander-in-Chief made the announcement at Camp Stephenson, Timehri when he joined members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) for their annual Christmas celebrations. The announcement evoked loud cheers from the soldiers.

"President Jagdeo stated that this small gift could never compensate for the work of the GDF through the year or truly reflect the gratitude of the Guyanese people. But this gesture is a small token of his appreciation... [He] extended thanks on behalf of the nation to ranks for the way in which they responded to internal security threats," GINA said.

He said instructions had already been given for payments to be made before the end of the year to members of the army, Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service and the Guyana Fire Service.

Army Chief-of-Staff Brigadier General Michael Atherly, in extending Christmas wishes to the ranks at Camp Stephenson, sent special wishes to other members of the GDF on the border and those who will be on duty throughout the holiday season. Atherly said security matters dictate that there are no lapses and he commended the army for maintaining readiness and keeping focused throughout the year.

"He urged them to be watchdogs at the highest level while urging members to remember their colleagues who paid the ultimate sacrifice throughout the year," GINA reported.

According to Atherly, the GDF has been able to maintain its focus in unit and subunit training, exceeding 2002 levels. He also noted that most of the concentrated training for the year 2003 was completed.

The President, while promising to continue allocating needed resources to the army, urged the soldiers to remain steadfast. On the matter of territorial integrity, President Jagdeo said strong support was received at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference.

"As regards border issues with Venezuela, Jagdeo said there is an abundance of resources to transform the well-being of both countries once peaceful means are utilised," the release stated.

The President said he hopes the opportunity will present itself for him to visit all army camps next year, which he envisions would be a way to hear from the ranks while at the same time conveying his plans for the nation, "so that they will be clearer on national issues".

According to GINA, Jagdeo thinks this method will help to eliminate some distortions in the print and televised media.