‘PPP/C has done more for Police than any party’– Bond tells Disciplined Services ahead of Friday’s vote

As members of the disciplined services prepare to cast their ballots on Friday ahead of the September 1 General and Regional Elections, politician James Bond has made a direct appeal to police officers, declaring that no party has invested in them more than the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

Speaking to the News Room on Wednesday, Bond was emphatic: “No other party has done more for police officers than the PPP/C—in bonuses, in education, in housing, in bursaries for your children.”

He pointed to the restoration of the one-month tax-free Christmas bonus, ongoing free training, promotion opportunities, and access to housing schemes as evidence of the government’s support.

“Every single person who met the criteria was promoted, unprecedented. Kudos to the Commissioner of Police, kudos to the Commander-in-Chief. These things could have been done before, but only this administration had the will,” Bond said.

Bond argued that the PPP/C’s record in office stands unmatched, not just for the disciplined services but across the country. He cited rapid growth in housing allocations, with almost 50,000 house lots distributed since 2020, compared to fewer than 7,000 between 2015 and 2020.

In sectors such as education, health, agriculture and climate change, Bond said the government has delivered results.

“Check the track record. No other party can run on theirs because they’ve done nothing. The PPP/C has done more in three years than some tried in five.”

Bond’s comments echoed appeals from President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who, as Commander-in-Chief, has urged members of the joint services to vote wisely and back the party that has consistently supported them.

Since taking office in 2020, President Ali has restored the tax-free Christmas bonus, which had been suspended under the previous administration. In 2024, that measure saw $1.6 billion distributed to members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and the Guyana Fire Service (GFS).

Earlier this year, he also announced a major increase in the minimum wage for junior ranks and officers to $130,000, a move aimed at equalising pay across the joint services.

Friday’s vote by the disciplined services is seen as a crucial early signal of momentum heading into Election Day on September 1. For Bond, the choice is clear: “The PPP/C has always put you first. That’s the difference.”