— says there will be a review process for those who feel aggrieved
VICE-PRESIDENT and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has assured all police officers that “everyone who is eligible will receive the promotion.”
He made this firm statement on Thursday during a press conference at Freedom House, Georgetown, where he addressed concerns raised from officers and their families about perhaps being overlooked in the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
More than 2,000 ranks of the GPF received long-awaited promotions effective August 1, 2025, as part of a comprehensive package of reforms.
Dr. Jagdeo noted that there are many officers who have served Guyana with distinction and possess an unblemished track record.
However, some for one reason or another were not promoted, but with President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s recent appropriate directions to the Commissioner of Police, 2,800 officers are being promoted. Already about 2,000 of those have been notified. Another 800 will receive their notification soon.
“I want to assure all of the police…. Everyone who is eligible will receive the promotion, and there shall be a review process for those who feel aggrieved that they have been overlooked or bypassed; their case will be examined and once confirmed, they too will receive their promotion,” the Vice-President said.
Speaking to officers at the GPF Headquarters recently, 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 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 10–30 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’s-level education at no cost.
“There’s no excuse anymore…Upgrade yourself. The opportunities are there and fully funded,” President Ali said.