Deputy Commissioner urges new ranks to serve with “integrity and compassion”

…as 4 Police Academy courses graduate

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Thursday proudly celebrated the graduation of Recruit Courses 395, 396, 397, and 398 during a ceremony at the Officers’ Training Centre, Eve Leary. The event marked a significant milestone for the Force, symbolising its continued investment in developing officers equipped to serve with fairness, discipline, and integrity. The four courses, including Course 398, which was an all-female batch, completed six months of intensive training that combined academic instruction with hands-on practice. The programme covered constitutional law, human rights, police powers, trafficking in persons, traffic offences, and human smuggling, as well as firearm drills, patrol duties, theatre training and practical attachments at police stations. Recruits also gained real-world exposure through station and mortuary visits, duties during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) cricket tournament, and participation in academy traditions such as a church service, an athletic meet, and a road march. Delivering the feature address, Deputy Commissioner (Administration) Ravindradat Budhram urged the graduates to embrace the challenges ahead with professionalism and resilience.

“Every challenge is an opportunity to grow and learn. Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about being committed to serving and protecting our community with integrity and compassion,” he told the recruits. He reminded them that policing is not only about enforcing laws but also about building trust and inspiring confidence within communities. He cautioned them against bias, stressing the importance of relying on evidence and truth and encouraged them to remain mentally and physically strong. He also underscored that opportunities for career advancement would come through performance, discipline and education, urging the young officers to pursue higher studies and participate in sports as part of their professional growth. The ceremony also recognised the outstanding achievements of several recruits. Apprentice Navin Persaud was named Overall Valedictorian, while in Course 395 the best student was Constable 27381 Adams, the best classroom rank was Constable 27459 Teixeira, and the best drill award went to Constable 27415 Hartcourt. In Course 396, Constable 27432 Mangal was named best student, Constable 27404 December was recognised as the best classroom rank, and Constable 27387 Andrew received the best drill award. Course 397 saw Constable 27387 Andrew again excelling as best student, Constable 27416 Haynes topping the classroom, and Constable 27407 Edwards taking the best drill award. For Course 398, which was the all-female course, the best student award went to Constable W. 27401 Daniels, the best classroom rank went to Constable W. 27428 Khan, and Constable W. 27384 Abrams was named best at drill.

In attendance at the ceremony were senior officials including Woman Senior Superintendent Dr Nicola Kendall, Senior Superintendent John Barker, Woman Senior Superintendent Leslyn Halley-Smith, along with other senior and junior officers. Families, instructors, and friends of the graduates filled the training centre to share in the occasion, applauding the hard work and dedication of the new police officers. The graduation of Courses 395, 396, 397 and 398 was not only a moment of achievement for the recruits but also an occasion of pride for the GPF. It signalled a renewed commitment to shaping a new generation of officers who will uphold justice, fairness and professionalism while serving communities across the country.