Dear Editor,
It was with much joy that I read the news articles about the policeman who refused a bribe of $700,000 which was an attempt by relatives, to buy the freedom of a fraud accused, for Christmas. We need to work towards having a country again where this kind of behaviour becomes the norm and not the exception.
I challenge the Commissioner of Police and policemen and women, to protect the integrity of the police force, and continue to develop personal and professional integrity. Our servicemen and women make an extremely important contribution to Guyana, in terms of maintaining law and order and keeping the peace.
One of my goals as President, would be to increase the minimum wage for members of the Guyana Police Force to a livable level. Our teams are already discussing what will be considered acceptable and sustainable. Figures which are being discussed, are perhaps $120,000 per month for a police trainee, in training school.
All government and state employees will be a priority but perhaps we start with members of the police force/disciplined forces and teachers. We would like for the best to gravitate to the disciplined services and the teaching profession. We would like for the police force to attract recruits with ‘A’ Level qualifications.
A new season is coming in Guyana where people’s credibility and integrity will be in high demand. One of my goals as President is to eliminate corruption, we will save billions of dollars, if we seriously address the issues of corruption and will provide more fiscal space to increase wages and salaries for public servants and state employees.
Our best days as a country and as a people are ahead of us.
Editor, although I have my moments, I am getting excited about the future of Guyana, we have so much untapped potential!
Yours faithfully,
Audreyanna Thomas
Presidential Candidate 2025