GPF partners with NAPS, UNDP to provide stigma-free environment
Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken and officials from NAPS and UNDP
The Guyana Police Force (GPF), as part of a coordinated national response, is partnering with the Health Ministry’s National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to build awareness of stigma and discrimination in the provision of services to people living with HIV.
Representatives from two agencies on Thursday met with acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken in the Commissioner’s Boardroom at the GPF Headquarters Complex at Eve Leary, Georgetown, during which they explored ways and options to create a stigma-free environment when it comes to people living with HIV.
National AIDS Programme Secretariat Programme Manager, Dr Tariq Jagnarine said part of his organisation’s strategic plan was to promote an environment without stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV. With that in mind, NAPS was able to secure funding from the UNDP to train Police ranks.
Dr Jagnarine noted that more than 200 Police ranks, from the level of Constable up to Assistant Commissioner, were already trained throughout the 10 administrative regions about how to identify a person’s sex, identity, or gender and how to cope with bullying and gender-based violence among other topics.
Owing to the positive feedback from ranks, Dr Jagnarine said the training has now been integrated into the Guyana Police Force’s training curriculum.
UNDP Programme Management Officer Winston Setal made it clear that the UNDP was pleased to be part of this partnership effort. He said this formed part of an important initiative whereby Police Officers were trained to recognise and assist vulnerable groups that may face stigma and discrimination when seeking HIV services. He said the UNDP looked forward to continued engagements with NAPS and the GPF in this regard.
Commissioner Hicken, in his remarks, mentioned that this was another way in which the Police Force would continue to strengthen relationships with the public and its corporate partners to make our communities safer.
