Almost 200 recruits graduate from GPF Academy: “You are the beacon of hope for internal security and law enforcement” – Asst. Commissioner Mahendra Singh

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) Academy celebrated the graduation of nearly 200 new recruits from Georgetown, Essequibo, and Berbice at a ceremony held at the Officers’ Training Centre on Friday, May 30, 2025.
Reporting on the event on its Facebook page, the GPF stated that Inspector McAlmont delivered a comprehensive report on the rigorous five-month training programme that the new recruits underwent, which included work studies at various police stations, courses in anger management, human rights, communication skills, community projects, basic first aid, and investigative techniques, among other subjects.

“An investment in knowledge,” he remarked, emphasising the importance of their training.

The keynote address was delivered by Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mr Mahendra Singh, who inspired the graduates with words about their potential. “You are the beacon of hope for internal security and law enforcement,” Singh said.
He urged the new officers to embrace their responsibilities and to work collaboratively as a team. “Do not isolate yourself from the team; the team is what matters,” he encouraged.
The ‘vote of thanks’ was given by Woman Constable McRae, the valedictorian of Course 391, who used the opportunity to reflect on the challenges of their training.
“This journey has been one of determination, discipline, and transformation,” she shared. McRae highlighted that the months of intense training not only prepared them physically and mentally but also instilled values of professionalism, accountability, and respect. She concluded with a quote from Jim Rohn, reminding her fellow graduates, “Be sure to put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.”
The ceremony also acknowledged the support and guidance from the Force Administration and the Executive Leadership Team, headed by Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, as well as the various instructors. Attendees included Assistant Commissioner of Police Mahendra Singh, Force Training Officer Senior Superintendent Sonia Herbert, and commandants from the various academies, alongside special invitees and family members. Other Valedictorians who graduated from other courses in the Georgetown academy are: Valedictorian and Best Student: Woman Const. 27194 Cumberbatch, Course 392; Valedictorian and Best Drill: Const. 27240 Williams; Course 393; Valedictorian: Const. 27255 Jones; Course 394.
From the Essequibo academy: Valedictorian: Const.27255 Rebeiro; Course 21G.
The Berbice academy: Valedictorian and Best Student: Const.27282 Gardener; Course 44B, and Valedictorian and Best Drill: Const.27307 Pinder: Course 45B.
Other awardees included: Best Student: Const. W. 27187 Nebblet; Runner-Up: Const. 27182 Maxwell; Best Drill: Const. 27188 Williams; Georgetown academy; Course 391.
Runner-Up: Const. 27204 Hurst; Best Drill: Const. 27209 McDonald; Course 392. Best Student: Const. W. 27229 Garto; Runner-Up: Const.27220 Barker; Course 393. Best Student: Const. 27262 Williams; Runner-Up: Const. 27243 Bess; Best Drill: Const. 27242 Benn; Course 394.
Essequibo academy: Course 21 G: Best Student: App. LaRose; Runner-Up: Const.27331 Applewhite-Hercules; Best Drill: Const. 27335 Marks.
Berbice academy: Course 44B: Runner-Up: Const. 27278 Casimero; Best Drill: Const. 27277 Burnett. Best Student: Const. 27317 Thom; Runner-Up: Const. 27319 Woolford; Course 45B.
The graduation ceremony, according to the GPF, was an important event for the new recruits as they start their exciting career as members of the GPF.