Members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will receive a one-month bonus and free housing materials from the government, according to President Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali.

Ali delivered the news to GDF ranks at today’s annual Christmas Lunch at Base Camp Ayanganna in Georgetown.

The bonus, according to reports is in addition to the eight percent salary increase and or adjustments made within recent weeks.

Ali said the government was able to negotiate with three commercial banks and the New Building Society to receive an interest rate of 3.5 per cent for loans below GYD$4 million and 3.75 per cent for loans below GYD$8 million.

In the New Year, the banks will be visiting army bases to help soldiers achieve their dreams of homeownership.

“We will help you with the plans and the design free of cost. You will get the cement and steel for the foundation and the banks will approve your loans right here so in the new year you can move to home ownership,” Ali stated.

Ali said this initiative is just a small part of the government’s commitment to increasing opportunities for the GDF ranks (Source Loop)