President Ali announces one-month tax-free bonus for Guyana’s disciplined services

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Thursday announced a one-month, tax-free bonus for members of Guyana’s Disciplined Services, reaffirming the government’s commitment to their welfare, professional development and long-term security.

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The announcement was made during the Guyana Defence Force’s annual Christmas Luncheon at Base Camp Stephenson, where President Ali, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief, said the bonus will inject an additional $2.1 billion in disposable income into the hands of more than 13,000 members of the joint services.

“Over the past five years, we have not only restored the one-month tax-free bonus to the disciplined services, but we have increased salaries, adjusted scales upward, accelerated promotions, improved working conditions and expanded training opportunities,” the President said.

Ali noted that more than $6 billion has already been distributed through the bonus initiative since it was restored in 2020, with the programme expanded in 2023 to include civilian employees of the GDF.

He also highlighted the government’s focus on preparing service members for life after active duty, revealing that thousands across the joint services are currently benefiting from the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) Scholarship Programme. The President said he has instructed the Chief of Defence Staff to ensure that every soldier is registered on the Guyana Digital School, with a minimum requirement to pursue Mathematics and English.

“We are preparing you to live a life of honour and dignity long after you retire. As you serve today, you must also be able to enjoy the enormous benefits of this economy tomorrow, because you deserve it,” Ali said.

Describing the annual Christmas Luncheon as a cherished tradition, the President said the event transforms the base into “a festival of fellowship,” pointing to the symbolic act of senior officers and the Commander-in-Chief serving meals to junior ranks.

“That simple but deeply symbolic observance speaks powerfully to who we are as a defence force. Authority is expressed through service and leadership is demonstrated through humility,” he said, adding that rank exists to ensure discipline and effectiveness, not superiority.

“Every rank has its role. Every role has its value. Every contribution matters.”

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Commending the Guyana Defence Force’s performance over the past year, President Ali praised the ranks for protecting the country’s borders, safeguarding territorial integrity and upholding national sovereignty amid growing regional and global uncertainty.

“The uniform you wear is more than a symbol of authority. It is a pledge to the people of Guyana that their safety, their freedom and their national patrimony will be defended. That pledge is being honoured,” he said.

The President reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening Guyana’s defence capability, maintaining a professional and well-prepared force, and deepening partnerships through defence cooperation and diplomacy to promote regional stability and combat transnational crime.