From humble beginnings to top honours: Cadet Officer Roger Westmoreland continues to shine

– named Best Graduating Student twice

At just 26 years old, Police Cadet Officer (CO) Roger Junior Westmoreland has brought pride to his family, friends, and the Guyana Police Force (GPF), earning the title of Best Graduating Student not once, but twice.
He first received this accolade during the Police Induction Course and went on to repeat the exceptional achievement at the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School’s Standard Officer’s Course (SOC) #56.

His path to success, however, was anything but easy. It is a story defined by perseverance, unwavering faith, and steadfast discipline – a journey shaped by modest beginnings and strengthened through trials that tested his physical, mental, and spiritual resilience.
Born on August 20, 1999, at the West Demerara Regional Hospital, Westmoreland was raised in a close-knit Christian household under the guidance of both parents. As one of five siblings – two sisters and two brothers – he spent his formative years between Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara (WBD), and the Tuschen New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).
In his family, values like discipline, respect, and integrity were not merely taught; rather, they were lived. His educational journey began at Tuschen Nursery School, continued through Zeelugt Primary, and culminated at Zeeburg Secondary School, from which he graduated in 2016.
Like many young men drawn to service, Westmoreland aspired to join the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). However, being underage at the time of application, he was ineligible for enlistment.

Undeterred, he embraced a variety of jobs between 2016 and 2018 – experiences that fostered resilience, work ethic, and adaptability, qualities that would later shape his professional path. It was during his tenure at Qualfon Guyana Inc. that a chance encounter proved pivotal.
There, he met a member of the Guyana Police Force assigned to the Presidential Guard Unit. Inspired by the officer’s professionalism and dedication, Westmoreland found a new calling in law enforcement.
On September 18, 2018, he officially began training at the Felix Austin Police College. From the outset, his dedication, humility, and discipline distinguished him among his peers. Upon completing the course, he graduated as the best student of his batch – a powerful indication of the exceptional career that lay ahead.
Following graduation, Westmoreland was posted to the Presidential Guard Unit, stationed at the State House, where he served for five years with an unblemished record. “I was never late, never absent, and never had any disciplinary matter against me,” he proudly stated. “I loved what I was doing,” he passionately expressed.
His dedication and professionalism earned him a place on the Standard Officer’s Course #56 at the Guyana Defence Force.
Over the past two years, he faced one of the most challenging yet rewarding periods of his life. The training was gruelling, encompassing the Jungle Warfare Instructor Course, Skill-at-Arms, Military Drills at the Instructor Level, Range Management, and Basic Amphibious Training, which included boat capsizing and man-overboard drills.
During his second year of training, he had to complete an Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies at the University of Guyana – a testament to his resilience and determination to excel both academically and professionally.
However, the road was not without hardship. During training, the young Cadet Officer developed shin splints that eventually led to a fractured foot. Yet, true to his indomitable spirit, he refused to give up.
“There were many sleepless nights, and our discipline was tested in all forms,” he recalled while adding, “But you can’t lose your composure. You have to operate as if nothing is bothering you.” Despite the physical pain, he continued to perform at the highest level in every area of assessment.
To qualify as “Best Student” in the course, one must excel in physical endurance, discipline, leadership, and the demanding Jungle Phase, which includes swimming a timed distance down the Essequibo River to earn the coveted Jungle Badge. He passed every test with distinction.
When asked what drives him, he humbly shared his personal philosophy: “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.”
Beyond the medals and accolades, his story is one of integrity, character, and conviction. He describes himself as a fair and principled individual who believes deeply in justice and discipline. His ultimate dream is to one day become a pilot and, in time, the Commissioner of Police – a role he views not as a position but as one requiring a lot of dedication and hard work.
Reflecting on his journey, he also offered words of wisdom for the nation’s youth: “Find purpose in your life. Set goals and objectives, and work towards them, but don’t give yourself deadlines. There is no law that says at a certain age you must achieve success. Move at your own pace, and never give up.”
From a young boy in Tuschen with a dream to a disciplined officer leading by example, Cadet Officer Roger Junior Westmoreland exemplifies perseverance, integrity, and excellence.
His journey is a powerful testament to the idea that no obstacle is too great when met with faith, determination, and unwavering commitment to doing what is right. Indeed, from the West Side to the Parade Square, his story stands as a beacon of honour, courage, and purpose.
The Commissioner of Police and the Executive Leadership Team, along with the senior and junior ranks of the Guyana Police Force, extend heartfelt congratulations to Cadet Officer Westmoreland on this remarkable achievement.