Dear Editor,

WITH the completion of voting for men and women of the Joint Services on August 22, 2025, I urge them to reflect carefully on the tremendous strides made in recent years under the leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government.
This upcoming Regional and General election on September 1, 2025 is not just another date on the calendar, it is a pivotal moment for our country’s security sector, our families, and the wider development of Guyana.

As Head of the Region Three Private Sector Inc., I have consistently championed fairness, opportunity, and progress for all Guyanese.
But today, I especially appeal to the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to public service: Our police, soldiers, fire officers, and prison officers to also encourage their relatives and friends to vote this coming Monday for continued prosperity and the transformation of Guyana.

You have always stood on the frontlines to protect our nation. Now, I ask that you also stand for the future of Guyana by encouraging those close to you to make the right choice.
The record is clear. Under this government, our Disciplined Services have not been forgotten. President Ali has delivered the largest mass promotion in the history of the Commonwealth for the Guyana Police Force—ensuring that constables, corporals, sergeants, and inspectors finally see their years of service and sacrifice fairly rewarded.

Earlier this year alone, over 600 officers were promoted, and with new reforms, no dedicated officer will retire without the recognition they deserve.
Beyond promotions, the government restored the annual one-month tax-free bonus, removed by the previous administration, placing over $2 billion more into the hands of Joint Services families every year.

Salaries have increased, career development pathways have been expanded, and officers now have unprecedented access to diplomas, degrees, and even master’s programmes free of charge. This is not empty rhetoric; this is action, fairness, and justice in practice.

But the government’s vision goes beyond immediate benefits. In the next five years, members of the Joint Services can look forward to even higher wages and salaries, improved housing support, childcare facilities, better access to healthcare, recreational spaces, and more scholarship opportunities. These are tangible commitments that touch not only the officers but also their families and communities.

This is why, on Election Day, I encourage all ranks and officers of the Joint Services not only to encourage their loved ones and friends to vote with their conscience. Remind them of the progress we have seen: New schools, modern hospitals, more scholarships for our children, better roads, stronger healthcare systems, and expanded housing opportunities.

Let us be clear, Guyana’s safety and prosperity are intertwined. When our security forces are supported, respected, and rewarded, the entire nation stands stronger and safer. Any political leader who seeks to divide us by race or undermine the progress of our Disciplined Services is standing against development, fairness, and unity.

On September 1, let us choose the leadership that has delivered, the leadership that values your service, and the leadership that is building a Guyana where every citizen can thrive. That leadership is President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C government.
I call on every member of our Joint Services to encourage your loved ones to stand with you, and with Guyana’s future.
Together, in unity, strength, and prosperity, we will move Guyana forward.

Sincerely,
Halim Khan