A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is promising members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) a slew of increased job benefits if they win the upcoming elections.
At a press conference on Friday, Aubrey Norton, the party’s presidential candidate, outlined that both military and police forces deserve all the benefits they have recently received from the incumbent PPP government. However, he accused the administration of undercompensating soldiers and police for their dedicated service under challenging and often dangerous conditions.
He said that, unlike the PPP, which pretends to be overly generous, the next APNU government will respond directly to the concerns and demands of soldiers and police.
He noted that soldiers and police will benefit from a 35% salary increase with yearly bonuses and a $100,000 cash transfer each year. Norton promised that APNU will raise the tax-free threshold to $400,000 and increase the minimum wage and starting salary to $200,000 within their first year in office.
He noted that soldiers and police will also enjoy all the other benefits promised on APNU’s 2025 campaign trail, including rent-to-own housing, water and electricity subsidies, and child allowances for children up to 18 years.
Notably, Norton said that APNU will ensure that promotions and training scholarships are done transparently and based on merit, not favoritism or politics. He also said APNU will expand bursary awards. He disclosed the party’s plan to establish an expert commission to review the conditions of service and make recommendations on living conditions in camps and compounds, benefits and compensation, job satisfaction, and personal safety.
For soldiers, Norton promised to better equip the army with modern military equipment and armaments and improve barrack conditions. He noted that special attention will be given to arming and improving the living conditions of the units protecting the borders.
The party also plans to upgrade the technical skills of soldiers in areas such as computer technology, construction, agriculture, and vehicle repairs and maintenance.
For members of the GPF, Norton said APNU will ensure all appointments and other benefits are implemented without violating the Constitution. He said they will increase the ability of the police to do their job by introducing and providing training in advanced policing technology to deter, detect, and solve crimes. He mentioned drones, smarter police vehicles, Automatic License Plate Recognition technology, and digital forensic software to find, recover, and preserve digital evidence.
Norton said that APNU will prioritize the safety of policemen and policewomen by equipping them with the right protective gear and providing comprehensive training on de-escalation techniques and self-defense.
Notably, one of APNU’s plans for the GPF includes the removal of Clifton Hicken as Commissioner of Police. Norton said Hicken will be replaced with an officer who has integrity and competence, and who has the respect of the entire GPF.
“Our vision of putting people first extends to every Guyanese, including those who serve in the disciplined forces,” Norton stated.
