GPF Christmas Awards: $226M in awards distributed as female officer named Best Cop

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Friday celebrated one of its most successful years yet, both in performance and rank recognition as it hosted its annual Christmas Awards Ceremony at the Officers’ Mess Annex, Eve Leary, where more than $226 million in cash and prizes were distributed to officers nationwide.
In a year marked by significant gains in policing, female officers dominated the top honours, with Deputy Superintendent Fiona Fredericks of the Police Narcotics Branch earning the prestigious title of Best Cop for 2025. Fredericks began her journey with the GPF on 29 August 1996 as an apprentice, and took the oath one year later, proudly bearing Reg. No. 17364. From those early days in the General Office and the Commissioner’s Office, she has served under several Commissioners of Police and earned the respect of her superiors, peers and the ranks under her command. Over the years, she has worked in several critical areas of the Force, including Force Control, the Firearm Department, and briefly in 4A, demonstrating versatility, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to duty. Her career reflects a steady climb built on competence and hard work.

Beyond her policing duties, W/Supt. Fredericks has also brought honour to Guyana as a national volleyball player, representing the country in 1997. She has shown that discipline, teamwork, and resilience on the court translate into leadership and courage in the field. Currently, as the Head of the Narcotics Branch, W/Supt. Fredericks leads from the front in one of the most challenging and high-stakes areas of law enforcement. Within just one year, she and her team have dismantled several drug networks and destroyed multiple illicit farms, striking decisive blows against those who profit from the destruction of communities. This is policing that protects families, youth and the future of the nation. The W/Supt is also the third female officer in the Force’s history to achieve this prestigious title. Fredericks, who hails from the remote Amerindian village of Hosororo in Region One, said the award reflected the collective strength of every officer who continues to serve “with courage, resilience and excellence.”

While acknowledging that leading a male-led unit has tested her limits, she credited her team for standing firmly with her. “I dedicate this award to my village, Hosororo, the little Amerindian community that shaped me and taught me resilience. This is indeed an extraordinary privilege at this time of my career,” Fredericks said. She urged ranks across the Force to remember why their service matters. “To my fellow officers, may this moment remind you that sacrifice does not go unnoticed. Commitment makes Guyana safer every day. Keep striving and proving that we are worthy. To every rank, just remember your sacrifice matters, your service matters. Continue to honour the badge, continue to rise,” she encouraged. Assistant Superintendent Henry of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) was named runner-up Best Cop. Addressing the gathering, Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond commended ranks for their commitment to duty and the standard they continue to set for the GPF.
“Excellence is not an occasional act, it is a habit, a culture, a commitment, demonstrated consistently over time. You have shown what the Guyana Police Force is capable of at its finest,” Walrond said. With the festive season underway, she called on officers to recommit themselves to the oath they swore to protect and serve. “Guyana is changing rapidly and policing must evolve with equal speed. Our force must remain adaptable, professional, fair, community-focused and trusted,” she emphasised.