In light of the spike in illegal activities in the mining and natural resources sector, the Ministry of Natural Resources, in a collaboration with the Guyana Police Force, on Thursday enlisted 25 rangers to the country’s first ever Corps of Wardens.
Stemming from the partnership was launched this new law enforcement body which is aimed at protecting, conserving and promoting the sustainable development of the country’s natural resources, and the livelihood of those involved within the sector.
In doing so, the batch of 25 graduated from a five-week training programme which
The 25 newly enlisted Corps of Wardens joined by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman along with other government ministers and officials of the Guyana Police Force
provided the knowledge and skills needed to reduce and eradicate illegal activities and malpractices within the field.
Speaking at the ceremony, hosted at the Police Officers’ Training Centre, was the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Denise Griffith, who presented an overview of the training programme, which commenced on August 14 and concluded on the 8th of September.
In doing so, she noted that, “The programme is very intense, and covered 25 topics. The participants were exposed to several areas of learning, both theoretically and practically. They were all hungry for knowledge, and they displayed a high degree of discipline throughout the training.”
Also addressing the gathering at the graduation ceremony on Thursday was the Acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine, who welcomed the rangers to law enforcement.
Ramnarine urged the 25 to display professionalism in the execution of their duties, and as such, not to become power hungry.
With that, Ramnarine went on to say that, “We have given you a foundation. You are to grow and develop in that foundation.”
Meanwhile, delivering the feature address was the Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman, who expressed delight in the materialisation of a specially equipped body to tackle unlawful operations.
This inaugural training programme sets the path for other classes to follow in the coming years, and was conducted under the theme: “Forging ahead with professionalism and intelligence-led policing, in collaboration with stakeholders.”
