800 more police officers for promotions, “bypassed” can seek redress- Jagdeo

Last Updated on Thursday, 7 August 2025, 22:24 by Writer

Even as the Guyana Police Force (GPF) refused to respond to questions about whether there would be additional promotions, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo sought to assure members of that law enforcement agency that 800 more ranks would be notified and others who believe were left out could seek redress.

“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; that their case would be examined and, once confirmed, they, too, will receive their promotion,” Mr Jagdeo told a People’s Progressive Party (PPP) press conference held at his party’s headquarters, Freedom House.

Mr Jagdeo’s announcement came two days after the GPF spokesman Mark Ramotar, Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken and Deputy Police Commissioner Ravindradat Budhram and Home Affairs Minister R0beson Benn declined to say whether more promotions would be announced before monthend.

He said 2,000 of the 2,800 policemen and policewomen had been already notified that they were promoted in keeping with President Irfaan Ali’s directive to Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken.

The Second Vice President said the remaining 800 civilian law enforcers would receive their notifications “soon”. No time frame was mentioned. Opposition politicians, a number of whom are lawyers, had said the President did not have any authority to announce promotions for inspectors as that rank and above is the job of the Police Service Commission (PSC) whose life has expired.

Mr Jagdeo reiterated that those entitled to promotion must have no blemish whatsoever and served with distinction. He said since the announcement and notifications, several members of the GPF had been reaching out to the Home Affairs Minister, the President and himself saying that they had been “bypassed or overlooked for one reason or another.”

Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Hicken appealed to those who were not promoted at this time to be patient. “To the ranks who were not promoted at this time, I say this: do not be discouraged. Your dedication and service are recognised and valued. Promotion is a process influenced by many factors, including available vacancies, performance, and conduct. Continue to carry out your duties with professionalism and commitment. Your opportunity for advancement will come,” he said in a statement.