Do not be foolish – Pres Ali warns Police against reckless decisions that could destroy careers

President Dr Irfaan Ali has issued a strong warning to members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), urging them to guard their careers and reputations by avoiding reckless behaviour that could erase decades of service.

Speaking at the force’s annual Christmas breakfast on Tuesday, the Head of State reminded ranks that they have already invested much of their lives into policing and must not allow “foolish decisions” to undermine their futures.
“You have worked very, very hard to be where you are. Most of you are already talking more than 20 years of service, or close to 20 years of service,” he told the gathering. “You are in a phase of your life when you are building beyond retirement… Do not throw away years of service with foolish decisions.”
The President said the Government has been working to ensure that officers can retire with dignity through improved salaries, better benefits, and expanded professional opportunities. But he stressed that none of these advantages matter if ranks compromise their integrity through misconduct.
“Your Government is supporting you with better salaries and ensuring that you retire in a state of dignity,” he noted.
Ali also highlighted that the Government has deliberately created pathways for officers to elevate themselves academically, urging them to pursue higher education instead of risking their careers for short-term gains.
He said access to training has been significantly expanded, allowing officers to secure degrees, master’s qualifications, and other certifications that will benefit them long after retirement.
“We are giving you the opportunity to retire not only with a bigger, better pension, but to retire with a degree, a master’s, or some form of professional qualification,” he told ranks. “That is the opportunity that allows you a lawful professional life and a higher sense of dignity as you transition from one form of service to another.”
The President reminded the officers that turning 55 should not be seen as a career’s end but as a gateway to new opportunities that only spotless service and upgraded qualifications can unlock.
“The opportunities in this country require services long after 55,” he said. “55 is not the end of your career… 55 is an accumulation of spotless service and qualification that graduates you into a better form and greater opportunities.”
His remarks came as the Administration continues to push for higher professional standards within the GPF, including technological reforms, increased accountability, and improved infrastructure. But he said none of these reforms can succeed if officers sabotage themselves by ignoring discipline, education, and ethical conduct.
According to President Ali, with new opportunities for personal advancement now readily available, from master’s degrees to professional certifications, no officer should gamble their future on “foolish decisions” that erase years of sacrifice and close the door to the next stage of their lives.