Guyana president announces largest police promotions in ‘Commonwealth history’ during election campaign

Guyana President Irfaan Ali has announced the mass promotion of police officers, reportedly the largest in the history of the Commonwealth.

Addressing thousands of the People’s Progressive Party Civic’s (PPP/C) supporters at a rally, the president said that some 2,800 Guyana Police Force officers were being promoted.

The elevation will span several ranks, including promotions from constable to lance corporal, lance corporal to corporal, corporal to sergeant, and sergeant to inspector.

The promotions took effect on August 1, 2025, and come as lawmen prepare to vote on August 22. The remainder of the population will vote on September 1.

President Ali used the rally to tout the reinstatement of the annual bonus for police, a benefit that was revoked by the previous administration.

“We brought back the bonus that then-President Jagdeo gave you… APNU/AFC took it away. This is a government that gave it to you. This is a government that will increase your salary scales… gave you your promotion, and this is a government you must support,” he affirmed.

In tandem, the government introduced sweeping educational opportunities which allows officers at all levels to pursue diplomas, degrees, or master’s programs at no cost to them, a move marking a departure from previous rank-based restrictions.

Earlier this year, 656 GPF officers across various ranks, including inspectors, superintendents, and corporals, were promoted. (DPI)