Political Parties Outline Competing Promises for Guyana’s Discipline Services Ahead of Elections
By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News
As the September 1, 2025 General and Regional Elections approach, political parties are making bold pledges to Guyana’s discipline services, which include the police, defense, and prison services.
President Irfaan Ali, on behalf of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC), reaffirmed his party’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of service members, highlighting achievements from the past five years. These include:
- Restoration of the one-month tax-free bonus
- Salary increases and accelerated promotions
- Expanded scholarship and training opportunities
- Improved access to healthcare and housing
Looking forward, Ali promised higher wages, home ownership opportunities, childcare facilities, recreational spaces, and continuous professional development.
Meanwhile, the Partnership for National Unity (APNU), in its outreach to service members, emphasized its record during its coalition government with the AFC, citing a 77% salary increase over five years. The party is now promising:
- A 35% salary increase
- Elimination of income tax for all ranks earning below $400,000 monthly
- An annual one-month bonus
- A minimum cash transfer of $100,000
Alliance for Change (AFC) Leader Nigel Hughes pledged that no service member would earn less than $250,000 monthly, with fair promotions free from political influence. He added that in cases where service members die in the line of duty, their families would receive $10 million in compensation.
Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) Leader Amansa Walton-Desir criticized decades of neglect, pledging to establish a separate Joint Services remuneration scale, which would include:
- Family support and expedited house lot allocations
- Allowances for children
- Low-interest mortgages
- Prioritized health and protection
Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) Leader Simona Broomes added that men and women in uniform have too long been taken for granted and deserve equitable treatment across Guyana.
The breakdown of eligible electors from the discipline services stands at 6,999 from the Guyana Police Force, 3,166 from the Guyana Defence Force, and 466 from the Guyana Prison Service.
