– following Top Cop’s inspection
Police Commissioner Leslie James on Friday officiated the promotion of 32 ranks, inclusive of scout leaders attached to E Division (Linden-Kwakwani) as he wrapped up his countrywide Commissioner’s Inspection Exercise across divisions. The exercise was conducted at the Division’s Headquarters at Mackenzie, Linden, in the presence of senior officers and the Police and Station Management Committee, as well as regional officials. Twenty-nine ranks were promoted on the spot from the position of Police Constable to Sergeant, Corporal and Lance Corporal, while three scout leaders also received higher promotions. Commissioner James, in his address, congratulated the ranks and Divisional Commander Linden Lord, as well as the previous Commander for a job well done.
Noting a few shortcomings which he observed, the Commissioner urged ranks to take pride in their work. He noted that the exercise was being undertaken at a time when the Police Force is going through a reformation process, as he pointed out that by the end of the first quarter of 2019, a much more reformed Police Force is expected. In such regard, James said the need for training has been highlighted. “We’ve recognised that there is much need for training in the Force. Ranks with numbers of years of service, were without the requisite rank – 14 years, 17 years (as) Constables…”, he said.
Commissioner James, in signalling the promoted ranks to come forward, urged all to be self-motivated, which he noted is a necessary requirement. Pointing to the three pillars which the Force has embarked on, James said training, infrastructure and human resources management are three main areas of focus. “…We are not running a Force with ranks who are demotivated. We need to have motivated people in the Guyana Police Force, and we are aware that through motivation, when you are working in the communities across the state of Guyana you will do so with professional and exemplary-type conduct… that is what prompted me to have some of you promoted on the spot…part of our function is to ensure that those who are deserving are promoted”, he said.
The Commissioner also advised that the Force’s standing order be complied with. In so doing, he said those not in compliance will be dealt with as he reminded ranks of the qualities of a good Police. “Those of you who got Subordinates to discipline, they must be disciplined… it’s the nature of the job. You have duties, you are given instructions, you have to carry them out. Failure to do so, the necessary action must be taken”, he admonished. James also encouraged those who were not promoted to understand what is taking place in the Force as he pointed out the seriousness of ranks welfare. In this regard, he note that the Force does not want persons to be with many years of service to not be promoted. “I will not be part of a system whereby we have ranks eligible for promotion and not promoting them”.
