– President Ali announces sweeping reforms, automatic upgrades based on years of service

MORE than 2,000 ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will receive long-awaited promotions effective August 1, 2025, as part of a comprehensive package of reforms announced by President Dr. Irfaan Ali aimed at modernising the Force and recognising dedicated service.

Speaking to officers at the GPF Headquarters on Wednesday morning, the Commander-in-Chief outlined an aggressive strategy to professionalise the police service, one that includes automatic promotions, free access to higher education, improved working conditions, and a new performance-based accountability system.
The President said the long-overdue promotions will apply to ranks across all levels, correcting decades of stagnation where officers with 10, 20, or even 30 years of service retired without proper recognition.

Ranks with five–seven years of service, currently at the constable level, will be promoted to Lance Corporal. Those with eight–10 years will be placed at the highest salary scale for their rank.
Ranks with 10 years or more of service will move to Corporal and those with 10–30 years will be promoted to Sergeant.
Officers with 20 plus years and a clean record will be automatically upgraded to Inspector.

“We have officers who served for decades and retired as constables. That ends now…This government is giving you what you’ve earned,” the President affirmed.
The sweeping promotion exercise will affect over 2,000 officers across the GPF, with new salaries and ranks taking effect from August 1. The move is one of the largest mass promotions in the history of the Force and is part of the government’s plan to boost morale and build a modern, agile, and accountable police institution.

Another major reform announced is the removal of academic restrictions on professional development. Previously, only senior ranks could pursue higher education through the Force. Now, every officer, regardless of rank, can pursue diplomas, degrees, or master-level education at no cost.
“There’s no excuse anymore…Upgrade yourself. The opportunities are there and fully funded,” President Ali said.

NEW QUARTERLY EVALUATION SYSTEM
To match reward with responsibility, a new quarterly evaluation system will be implemented for every station and rank. It will assess maintenance of police assets, teamwork, discipline, and community engagement. These evaluations will directly impact future promotions and postings.
“We will hold everyone accountable from the commander, coming right down to the constable… If we don’t see these kept properly, it will affect promotions. So, each one of you will have to hold each other accountable. There is no excuse!” the President said while talking to the ranks.
Officers were also assured of better post-retirement benefits. Those who retire as inspectors at age 55 or later will receive a package that includes a full pension, NIS, and, in many cases, eligibility to transition into academic or private-sector roles.
While the reforms are sweeping, President Ali was firm that misconduct would disqualify officers from benefitting. Only those with clean disciplinary records will move forward under the new system.
“This is not a free ride. You must be responsible. Greater reward comes with greater accountability,” he stressed.