OVER 2,000 ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) received long-awaited promotions on Thursday, following a major announcement by President Dr. Irfaan Ali aimed at modernising the Force and correcting years of stagnation in rank advancement.
The promotion exercise, which took effect from August 1, 2025, spans all levels of the Force and is part of a broader reform strategy to professionalise law enforcement, improve morale, and reward dedicated service.
Among those promoted is Sergeant Major, who expressed his appreciation for the recognition.
“Standing before you today, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali for the trust he would have placed in me with the promotion to Sergeant,” he said.
“I [intend] to justify your trust [and make] a meaningful impact in my new role,” the Sergeant said, adding that this recognition of his hard work is a privilege and he is grateful for the opportunity to serve.
Also sharing her thoughts was Woman Sergeant Anderson, who described the moment as bittersweet. A member of the Force for 29 years, she was elevated from Sergeant to Inspector.
“I must say thanks to His Excellency the President,” Anderson said, adding that she had “mixed feelings” about the news, but recognised it as a significant milestone in her career.
Police Constable Ronolto Grosvenor, now promoted to the rank of Sergeant after 14 years of service, said the promotion is both humbling and uplifting.
“I want to give God praise and thanks for life and for this great opportunity. Also, I’d like to thank the Commissioner of Police and all other Senior Officers, and last but not least, the President of the Republic of Guyana Irfaan Ali for such a wonderful opportunity to be promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Thank you.”
President Ali had said that 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 to seven years of service, currently at the constable level, will be promoted to Lance Corporal. Those with eight to 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 to 30 years will be promoted to Sergeant. Officers with 20 plus years and a clean record will be automatically upgraded to Inspector.
Importantly, the promotion package comes with a new quarterly performance evaluation system. Each rank and station will now be assessed based on maintenance of police assets, teamwork, discipline, and community engagement.
These evaluations will play a critical role in determining future promotions and postings, making accountability and performance the new standard in the Force’s ongoing professionalisation.
President Ali noted during his address that these reforms are part of a strategic plan to modernise the GPF and ensure that the nation’s law enforcement is equipped, motivated, and recognised for their service to the people of Guyana.