30 ranks from GPF Band Room honoured at ceremony

Thirty ranks from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Band Room were honoured on Thursday during the Band Room’s Breakfast and Awards Ceremony held at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary.
According to the GPF’s Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) post on the GPF Facebook page, the event commenced with a welcome from Director of Music, Superintendent Matthew Joseph, who commended the band for its stellar performance and tireless dedication over the past year. He noted that the band have already begun their work for 2026, maintaining the high standards set in previous years.
In his keynote address, the Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, congratulated the ranks on their 2025 successes and reaffirmed his commitment to the band’s growth. Outlining a vision for the new year, the Commissioner charged Joseph to expand the band in every Police regional division. This initiative, he said, will involve a recruitment drive across every region, specifically aimed at fostering diversity across all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
The Commissioner also encouraged professional development, urging ranks to prioritise their education. He emphasised that those who have not yet completed their CSEC examinations can now do so free of cost. Additionally, he encouraged ranks to utilise the University of Guyana and GOAL scholarship programmes, noting that higher education is key to improving interaction with the public and building the Force’s credibility.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of plaques, trophies, and hampers to ranks in recognition of their musical excellence and long service.
A highlight of the morning was the special recognition of Special Corporal 15234 Dalicia Plass, who was celebrated for her trailblazing achievement as the band’s first female drum major.