Crime Chief warns detectives: success brings challenges, even betrayal
– gives promotees sober speech at training seminar
As a new group of detectives rose through the ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Deputy Commissioner (Law Enforcement) Wendell Blanhum did not offer them easy congratulations. Instead, he delivered a sobering reality check, advising them that with promotions come greater scrutiny, resentment, and even betrayal.
Speaking at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe on Saturday during a one-day training seminar for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Blanhum cautioned his officers that their success would make them targets. He said so quoting Christian Horner: “The higher you rise, the sharper the knives.”
“The more you climb the rank structure, the more authority and titles you possess –then the more likely you will be on the receiving end by those who envy you and want to see you fail. You will even endure betrayal from others, yes, just like Jesus Christ did. Much attention and scrutiny will be placed on you, even negative attention, and attacks by those who feel threatened or envious of your success, and they will go above and beyond to see you fail,” he noted.
Despite the inevitable challenges, he urged his officers to remain professional and focused.
“Stay the course, keep climbing with the aim of reaching the top of this noble organisation, and always remain professional, even when you are dealing with those who wish for your downfall,” he encouraged.
Blanhum reinforced his message with a biblical reference. “Proverbs 14:30 expressly states that a heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. In other words, this biblical message is saying to us that envy is very destructive to one’s well-being, causing inner troubles and can potentially lead to ill health.”
Training seminar
The address was part of a one-day training seminar focused on preparing detectives to adapt to significant changes within Guyana’s criminal justice system.
The session was led by GPF’s Junior Legal Advisor, Ms Janet A. Ali, LL.B, L.E.C., Attorney-At-Law, and covered three key legal reforms: the Needham’s Point Declaration on Criminal Justice Reform, the Criminal Law Procedure (Paper Committals) Act 2024, and the Criminal Procedure (Plea Discussion, Plea Agreement, and Assistance Agreement) Act 2024.
The Needham’s Point Declaration is a policy framework aimed at modernising Guyana’s justice system by addressing trial delays, prison overcrowding, and rising crime rates. It focuses on rehabilitation, judicial efficiency, victims’ rights, and fairer legal proceedings. A major step in this modernisation is the Criminal Law Procedure (Paper Committals) Act 2024, which eliminates traditional preliminary inquiries in favour of paper committals. This shift removes the need for lengthy oral testimonies, reducing case backlogs and speeding up the legal process.
Another critical reform is the Criminal Procedure (Plea Discussion, Plea Agreement, and Assistance Agreement) Act 2024, which formally introduces plea bargaining and cooperation agreements into Guyana’s legal system. This law allows defendants to negotiate plea deals with prosecutors, helping resolve cases faster. It also includes provisions for reduced sentences in exchange for cooperation with law enforcement, aligning with the broader push for a more efficient and effective justice system.
The training seminar aimed to equip detectives with the necessary legal knowledge to enforce these reforms effectively.
Organisers stressed that “by enhancing the understanding and application of these reforms, it will allow members of the Force, particularly ranks of the Force’s Investigative arm, to navigate the evolving legal landscape and aid in significantly improving the efficiency, fairness, and effectiveness of Guyana’s criminal justice system.”
Just a few days ago, the GPF had promoted over 600 officers across subordinate and senior ranks. Effective from January 1, 2025, the promotions were approved by the Police Service Commission and included significant rank advancements.
Notable promotions include Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh, now an Assistant Commissioner, along with several Senior Superintendents. The announcement coincides with the annual Police Officers Conference, where key addresses will be given by Commissioner Clifton Hicken and President Irfaan Ali.
This promotion list is especially significant as no senior officers had been promoted since 2022, addressing a long-standing concern within the force.
