GPF Annual Award Ceremony : Serious crimes down by 15%, fatal accidents by 20% – Top Cop

…as GPF hands out $173M in cash incentives, trophies

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recorded a 20 per cent reduction in fatal accidents and a 15.2 per cent reduction in serious crimes in 2024 when compared to 2023.
This was according to acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken, who credited these results to the Force’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, which focuses on Operations, Partnership, Developing Our People, Infrastructure, Performance, Professionalism, and Accountability.

“Despite an increase in traffic accidents in recent months, there was a 20 per cent reduction in fatal accidents and an overall decrease of nine per cent in total accidents in 2024 compared to 2023. This improvement is attributed to the successful implementation of a comprehensive traffic management plan, which included the introduction of traffic calming measures, enhanced public transportation safety campaigns, rigorous enforcement targeting impaired driving, and use of helmets and seatbelts,” Hicken said.
He added that the reduction in serious crimes was a direct result of strategic, data-driven policing initiatives, inclusive of the active involvement of 257 Community Policing Groups, increased patrols in crime hotspots, crime mapping, and predictive policing.
Hicken also emphasised that failure was not the end, as he quoted Winston Churchill: “Success is not final; failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that count.”
On this note, he urged those present to continue to approach their duties with honour, integrity, and unwavering determination, knowing that their collective efforts would create a safer and brighter future for all.

Members of the GPF, at all levels from Officers to Constables, in every Police Regional Division and Department, were awarded a whopping $173 million in cash incentives and trophies as the Force hosted its annual awards ceremony.
Deputy Commissioner Ravindradat Budhram related that the cash incentives increased by $23 million from last year. In addition, this year, 5018 ranks were rewarded, compared to 4336 last year.
Budhram lauded the hard work and commitment of the ranks being recognised and the need to do so, stating, “The life of a policeman/woman is one of service, sacrifice and steadfast determination. It is a calling that demands not only courage but also a deep sense of responsibility and resilience. The men and women we honour today exemplify these qualities. They have gone beyond and above the call of duty, setting the benchmark for excellence that inspires us all as we celebrate these accomplishments today.”

Commissioner (ag) Hicken commended the recipients for their unwavering dedication and commitment not only to the citizens they serve but to also upholding the core values of the Force.
“While we often celebrate reductions in crime and restoration of safety, today, we pause to also recognise the people behind these successes. This ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the values of integrity, professionalism, and service that guide the Guyana Police Force. It is a time for us to pause, reflect, and express our gratitude to those whose actions embody these principles every single day.”
Among the prestigious rewards handed out on Thursday was that of the Best Cop, which was awarded to Cadet Officer David Prince of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Cadet Officer Prince, who is Second-in-Charge of the Narcotics Branch, was recognised for his leadership, diligence and commitment in the fight against narcotics. Detective Inspector Seetaram of Regional Police Division Eight was adjudged as the runner-up ‘Best Cop’.