‘You can trust us, because we did what we promised’ – Jagdeo tells Army, Police, Prison Service ahead of Friday’s vote

On the eve of voting by the Police, Army and Prison Service, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary and Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has made a direct appeal to servicemen and women, urging them to judge parties by their track record.

“You can trust us, because we did what we promised,” Jagdeo declared at a press conference Thursday, pointing to restored benefits, improved conditions and major investments under the PPP/C government.

The Disciplined Forces will cast their ballots on Friday, August 22, ahead of the September 1 general and regional elections. Jagdeo noted that while many political parties are asking for their support, credibility must be measured against what was delivered in the past.

Jagdeo reminded voters that in 2015, the APNU+AFC coalition promised to create jobs, lower taxes, improve welfare and enhance support for the security forces.

“They failed on all those promises,” he said, adding that the “worst act of discrimination” was reserved for the men and women in uniform when the coalition scrapped the one-month tax-free bonus.

The bonus, introduced during Jagdeo’s presidency, was dismissed by then Finance Minister Winston Jordan as a “bribe” and opposition leader Aubrey Norton, in 2019, argued that soldiers would be better off without it.

“Now he says he will support the bonus. How can anyone believe anything Norton says?” Jagdeo questioned, pointing out that the opposition leader has previously described the police as “grossly incompetent” but is now writing to every officer promising to look after their interests.

Jagdeo stressed that under the PPP/C, the tax-free bonus was not only restored but protected.

“That’s $2 billion a year back into the pockets of members of the Disciplined Services,” he noted.

Alongside higher wages and a revised salary scale, Jagdeo pointed to accelerated promotions and heavy investments in modern facilities and equipment.

“Look at Police Headquarters, the new Brickdam Police Station and the many improved stations across the country,” he said.

Jagdeo insisted the contrast is clear: the PPP/C has delivered, while the APNU+AFC coalition failed to keep its promises.

“The Disciplined Services know this. They know which party keeps its promises. And I have no doubt many of them will vote for the PPP/C,” Jagdeo affirmed.

He also brushed aside attempts by others, including U.S.-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed, to sway security personnel.