Security of nation key to development --President Guyana Chronicle August 26, 2000 JagdeoPRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo has said that key to his vision and plans for Guyana's development, are the security of the nation, law and order, and the improvement of justice. In this regard therefore, the President said, his Government strongly supports the continued enhancement of the Disciplined Forces in every way. President Jagdeo stated this commitment as he delivered an address before a packed Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary at the opening ceremony of Jamboree 2000 yesterday afternoon. The President's remarks were preceded by the traditional inspection of the guard of honour. This paved the way for magnificent performances by individual units of the Disciplined Services. Items on the programme, which won the hearts of the spectators were: Paratrooping and Rappelling Displays by the Guyana Defence Force; Drill Displays, Fire Rescue Mission and Helicopter Evacuation by the Guyana Fire Service; Y2K Drill Displays by the Guyana Police Force; a Joint Mass Bands Display by the Army and Police; a fireworks display by the Guyana Defence Force, and a Karate Display by the Japan Karate Association. Citing Government's growing budgetary support for the Joint Services as a tangible demonstration of the seriousness of this undertaking, President Jagdeo said: "Our ultimate goal is to have the various services better equipped, and in this regard, we have decided to further capitalise the armed forces." And there are plans for a reform of the Justice system, the President disclosed, based on the recommendations of a recent study. The Head of State noted that over the recent years, his Government has been strengthening law enforcement agencies' crime prevention and crime fighting capabilities. He said that currently, Government is discussing ways of bringing about greater involvement of the military in law enforcement activities. Acknowledging the importance of the well being of the nation's servicemen and servicewomen, President Jagdeo has committed another $25M dollars to aid the housing development drive for some 300 members of the Joint Services for the year 2001. This is in addition to an initial $6M he had earlier given them when he visited the scheme about three weeks ago. President Jagdeo, with the use of a pair of binoculars seizes an opportunity to get a closer view of the performances at yesterday's Joint Services Jamboree. (Picture by Winston Oudkerk)President Jagdeo recalled that a few weeks ago he had visited the housing scheme, which is situated aback of Lamaha Park in Greater Georgetown, and had made his initial presentation of $6M to the Housing Committee. Meanwhile, there were kudos for the performance of Guyana's Disciplined Services. The Head of State alluded to the growing professionalism among the services, saying: "Our Disciplined Services are among the best trained in the Caribbean. We now command the respect of our counterparts across the Region." Commenting on Jamboree 2000, the President was high in his praise of the efforts and performances of the Joint Services. He said that he was particularly pleased to be associated with "this conglomerate of professions". Noting that he was glad to see the various services working in collaboration, the Commander-in-Chief congratulated the ranks, saying: "As units of the Disciplined Services, you are unique and different in keeping with your respective roles and missions. Yet you can unite for a common purpose." Expressing a desire to promote the unity continuously demonstrated by the Disciplined Services as an example for all Guyanese to emulate, President Jagdeo described Jamboree 2000 as an attempt by the Joint Services to reach out to the wider community. The Head of State said he considered it propitious for the nation's Joint Services to be much more involved in community and social projects. He said that Jamboree 2000 must be a timely reminder of the advantages of people, agencies and units working together to create an environment necessary for national prosperity. "The staging of this annual activity demonstrates how prepared and trained our ranks and services are. Those who think otherwise should take careful note," the President reiterated. Follow the goings-on in Guyana in Guyana Today