President Donald Ramotar has penned a campaign letter to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) appealing to ranks to vote for the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic when they head to the polls on May 2, ahead of the May 11 regional and general elections
Ramotar in the letter addressed to senior, junior and other ranks asked that they consider the “strides” Guyana has made and how those strides has impacted their individual families as they prepare to cast their ballot.
“I ask you in all humility to once again repose your confidence in the PPP/C by re – electing me, Donald Ramotar when you cast your very important vote,” he said.
Meanwhile, he has also asked members of the GDF, who will also be voting on May 2 to vote for his party.
The ruling party over the last weeks has criticized retired members of the GDF and police force who have supported and endorsed its main opponent in this election, the APNU+AFC Coalition.
Former President Bharrat Jagdeo even warned supporters by telling them if the APNU+AFC is elected, members of the military would kick down their doors.
President Ramotar in the letter which was published in one of the local dailies as a political advertisement said he is humbled by the support he has received from the members of the GDF. He said he was most proud of the partnership that was built over the past three years.
The 22-year-old administration continues to face criticism for its refusal to increase the salaries of police ranks and other law enforcement officials. Over the last three years the combined parliamentary opposition had lobbied the administration to pay police ranks more in a bid to reduce corruption and bribery.
The PPP manifesto fails to address the issue of salary increase for police ranks but a leaked draft of the APNU+AFC manifesto proposes a 20 percent increase in the salaries of all law enforcement officials.
The President acknowledged in his letter that more needs to be done to improve the Guyana Defence Force and its capabilities. He is now promising to give his unwavering support, going forward, as Guyana aims for a safe and secure society.
Ramotar nonetheless, feels that under the PPP/C, the police force and the GDF have come a long way.
He said successive PPPC governments have made significant investments in improving the physical state of police stations and offices.
He claims that more resources were also provided for police and the GDF to carry out their functions.
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