PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has made a compelling appeal to members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to prioritize fitness and healthy living, emphasizing that physical readiness ought to be an essential aspect of the Force’s identity and operational ethos. During a recent meeting with police officers at GPF Headquarters, the Commander-in-Chief laid out a comprehensive reform agenda, which includes promotions for over 2,000 officers. However, beyond promotions and salary increases, the President specifically highlighted fitness as a significant national issue, connecting personal health to professionalism and public confidence.
“I want the police to get fit. This country needs to prioritize fitness… I’ve told schools to implement physical education every Friday afternoon, but you, the police, need to set the standard… When citizens see the Guyana Police Force, they should recognize strength, fitness, dignity, and accountability,†President Ali stated to the ranks. He emphasized that physical fitness is no longer an optional pursuit; it is now a performance standard and an institutional expectation.
Everyone must get moving and focus on fitness, and that is now part of the criteria—fitness,†he proclaimed. “Engage in group activities. It’s essential for your health.†He noted the alarming prevalence of diabetes and hypertension among officers, attributing these health issues to sedentary lifestyles and stress, which can lead to early illness and death. “Too many officers are battling diabetes and high blood pressure due to their lifestyle choices. You don’t need me to tell you this… I genuinely care about you and want you to have long, fulfilling lives. I want you to enjoy your retirement and the benefits that come with it,†he expressed.
The President encouraged officers, particularly those in protective services or administrative roles, to integrate manageable and consistent fitness routines into their work shifts. “You don’t have to remain inactive in a hut. Carry a skipping rope with you. You don’t need to sit for an hour—every hour, take five minutes to skip… If you’re on an eight-hour shift, that amounts to 40 minutes of exercise. It’s as effective as any fitness routine, no matter how simple it seems,†he suggested.
President Ali also urged senior officers to avoid complacency, asserting that promotions should not lead to a decline in physical discipline. “Reaching the rank of command and Inspector does not mean you can stop your fitness regimen. You haven’t fully arrived yet. That’s when you need to set the example,†he insisted.
He underscored that creating a professional and respected police force requires a fundamental shift in attitude—not merely infrastructure or policy adjustments, but a transformation in culture. “Fitness is a crucial element of the image we want the Force to project. It benefits you personally. We must collaborate to cultivate a stronger, more responsive, responsible, and respected police force. It is essential to change our culture, mindset, and behaviors,†he concluded.
