“Vote for those who look out for you” – Pres. Ali tells lawmen

Aug 22, 2025 News

President Irfaan Ali

Kaieteur News – As members of the disciplined services head to the polls this coming Friday, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, appealed to them to cast their vote wisely and consciously, and to consider the party that has always supported them.

The head of state made this appeal as he addressed supporters Wednesday evening in the farming community of Black Bush Polder, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported.

According to DPI, when the then A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition government assumed office back in 2015, it stopped the one-month tax-free Christmas bonus for the Joint Services, leaving thousands of families in distress. “Vote with your conscious, vote with your dignity, vote with honour, vote for the party that gave you back your bonus. Today you have more scholarships, more access to training, access to housing [and] salaries.”

The one-month tax-free Christmas bonus is a key initiative by the PPP/C government and has been in place since 2002. Through this initiative, members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and Guyana Police Force (GPF) receive more money at the end of the year.

Immediately after assuming office, President Ali moved to restore the bonus, and by 2024, thousands of ranks received approximately $1.6 billion in bonuses. Additionally, President Ali announced an increase in the minimum wage for junior ranks and officers to $130,000 earlier this year, to level the playing field among the various agencies within the joint services.

“You can expect in the next term continued support for home ownership, expanded increases in your salary, training, support for your medical services and support for a quality of life [that] is second to none,” President Ali assured. The head of state called on members of the joint services to cast their ballot consciously, saying Guyanese will join on September 1 to deliver a victory for the PPP/C so that progress can continue and Guyanese can prosper.

Also in a letter to the servicemen President Ali said the safety of our borders and the security of our people are the foundation of the new prosperity “we are building together. Just as you protect our nation, we are committed to ensuring that your families live in safety and security as well. We recognise your vital role, and we will continue to equip and support you so that both your service and your loved ones are safeguarded with dignity and pride.”

The President said the PPP/C does not merely “commend your service; we reward it. Over the past five years, we have restored dignity, improved conditions, and provided the tools you need to serve our beloved Guyana with pride. We have kept our promise to you.

Your families, too, must share in this prosperity. Across the country, you have seen the changes we are delivering: better roads, new schools, more scholarships and learning opportunities, modern hospitals, stronger healthcare, expanded housing, and much more. Over the past five years, we have restored the one-month tax free bonus resulting in $2 billion more per year to the disciplined services,” the President letter noted.

He added: “We increased salaries, adjusted the pay scale upward, accelerated promotions, improved working conditions, provided more training and scholarships and much more. In the next five years, our joint services can look forward to higher wages and salaries, support in owning their own homes, expanded scholarship opportunities, childcare facilities, greater opportunities for promotion, expanded access to healthcare, recreational facilities and a healthier working environment. When you have the right tools, training, and support, Guyana is safer.

When your families are cared for, your service grows stronger. And when your sacrifices are honored, the entire nation stands more secure and united.”

President Ali said the PPP/C has the track record, the vision, and the will to deliver. “Others may promise, but we have proven—time and again—that we act, not just speak. On Election Day, the choice is clear: only the PPP/C can keep your families, your careers, and our nation safe, stable, and strong. Together, let us move Guyana forward—in unity, in strength, and in prosperity.

With respect, gratitude, and unwavering commitment.”

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