Female detective sergeant is Region 6 Best Cop for 2023

…‘do not involve yourselves in corrupt transactions’ – Commander to ranks

Female Detective Sergeant Keisha Dean-Smith is Region Six’s (East Berbice-Corentyne’s) Best Cop for 2023. The announcement was made on Thursday at the Region Six Police Division’s Annual Luncheon and Awards Ceremony held at St. Francis Community Developers building at Port Mourant.
Detective Sergeant Keisha Dean-Smith joined the Guyana Police Force on December 1, 2005. She works in the Number Two sub-division in the region, and has been instrumental in solving a series of high-profile matters, including murders and robberies among other crimes. She has successfully given evidence while being subjected to rigorous cross examination, thus the region has benefitted hugely from the conviction of several persons who are currently behind bars.
The runner-up Best Cop is Inspector Vickram Looknauth, who has, over the past year, been involved in several drug eradication exercises wherein millions of dollars’ worth of marijuana have been destroyed.

Dean-Smith and Looknauth have each been given a trophy and monetary prize.
While addressing ranks at the event, Divisional Commander Senior Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus has encouraged the ranks to get themselves academically qualified. He noted that the region has recorded an 11 per cent reduction in crime, and pointed out that the GPF is today better than before with the number of highly qualified persons in its ranks, including many who have graduated from the University of Guyana recently.
“I am using this opportunity to encourage all others who are not there as yet to get themselves academically qualified,” he declared.
Commander Bacchus pointed out that most of the murders in the region over the past year have been solved. There have been 19 to date, and according to the Commander, most were domestic violence-related.

“Our domestic violence report, our trafficking-in-persons report, they are at a minus. However, when we looked at some other categories of crimes, such as break and enter and larceny, those are also minus,” he disclosed.
The Commander highlighted an increase in reports of noise nuisance, with 313 reports; but he said only six of those cases have been prosecuted this year.
“The reason for that is because we are not having the follow-up, or statements from the reporter, to support our cause for a successful prosecution,” he revealed.

Traffic
There has been a 19 per cent reduction in serious accidents; but, so far for the year, 19 persons have died on roads in Region Six. This figure is similar to that for the corresponding period last year.
“It therefore means that the Traffic ranks are doing what they ought to do, and are following instructions…,” he explained.
Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) Commander, Assistant Commissioner Kurleigh Simon, also attended this event, and he applauded the efforts of the ranks in Region Six. He noted that the success the region has experience this year could only have been achieved because of their commitment and dedication.
“We are not living in a perfect world, things will go wrong; but even in trying times, you need to hold your head up high and keep driving forward. Law enforcement cannot afford to fail, because if we fail, the country is going to be in total (anarchy),” he advised.
Simon pointed out that Police officers have a mandate to ensure peace and stability is maintained in the country.
“When there is peace and stability, there will be economic growth. You play a key role in ensuring that our country goes forward, and you should see yourself in that way,” he told his audience.
Several ranks have been transferred out of Region Six during the year because of corruption. Commander Bacchus said some were involved in malpractices.
“I am urging the remainder who are here with us, and ranks of the Guyana Police Force in general, not to involve yourselves in corrupt transactions. You are to serve the citizens of Guyana in a professional way, and do the right thing the right way,” he admonished. (G4)