GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) – President Irfaan Ali has announced what his government has described as the largest mass promotion of police officers in the history of the Commonwealth.

Addressing People’s Progressive Party Civic’s (PPP/C) supporters at a massive rally held at Belle’s Square in Bartica, Region Seven, the president said that some 2,800 Guyana Police Force (GPF) officers are being promoted.

The elevation will span several ranks, including promotions from Constable to Lance Corporal, Lance Corporal to Corporal, Corporal to Sergeant, and Sergeant to Inspector.

The promotions took effect on August 1, exactly a month before the September 1 regional and general elections.

President Ali also hailed the reinstatement of the annual bonus for police, a benefit the previous administration had revoked.

“This is a government that will increase your salary scales… gave you your promotion, and this is a government you must support,” he declared at the rally.

He also noted that his administration introduced sweeping educational opportunities and officers at all levels can now pursue diplomas, degrees, or master’s programmes at no cost, a departure from previous rank-based restrictions.

Earlier this year, 656 officers across various ranks, including inspectors, superintendents, and corporals, were promoted as part of ongoing capacity-building efforts within the GPF.