GPF rewards officers for outstanding performance during awards ceremony

…$88.4M in cash and other incentives handed out

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Thursday handed out a total of $88.4 million in cash and other incentives to members during its annual awards ceremony at the Tactical Services Unit Drill Square, Police Headquarters as part of the Force’s 183rd anniversary celebrations.

Of this amount, $7.5 million was awarded to ranks as cash prizes for their outstanding performance in the various divisions and departments of the GPF.
In recognition of their commitment, devotion, and success in carrying out their responsibilities, several ranks from various departments and all Regional Police Divisions received financial rewards.

Speaking at the ceremony, acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken said that this awards ceremony recognised individuals who have distinguished themselves and the Guyana Police Force by their exemplary acts of bravery, professionalism, and praiseworthy deeds.
“Indeed, no one is compelled to choose the profession of a Police Officer, but having chosen it, everyone is obliged to live up to its professional standards. It is safe to say that the duties and professional calibre that Police Officers are required to have, have been different from any other profession,” the Top Cop stated.
He further said that ranks’ efforts have not gone unnoticed. “That is why we are here today to honour all of you for your dedication beyond the stipulated standards and scope of your normal duty as employees of the Guyana Police Force. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, as we have conjointly remained committed to the mandate of the Guyana Police Force.”
The acting Top Cop alluded to the fact that currently there is an ongoing transformational change occurring in the Guyana Police Force driven by its 2022-2026 Strategic Plan.
He reminded the gathering that the Plan would guide the GPF’s strategic direction of being a modernised, diversified, and accountable Police Force that was prepared to meet contemporary policing demands.
The Plan, he said, is governed by six pillars – operations, partnership, developing people, infrastructure, performance, professionalism, and accountability.
While acknowledging that the Force’s successes are many, Hicken pointed out that the successes were also simultaneously accompanied by challenges such as inadequate human resources, budget constraints, and emerging security threats. Therefore, he noted, there is still much work to be done if the Force is to properly meet the demands of the public.
To do so, Hicken said these works include establishing Regional Command Centres and a Community Relations Foundation; increasing strategic alliances with local, regional, and international agencies to boost information sharing and joint operations; enhancing Police buildings with specialists; decentralising Police departments to Regional Divisions; continuously forming partnerships with learning institutions for training and development; establishing an accredited Police Academy with certified lecturers, improving traffic management and crime prevention and detection capabilities, and implementing social crime prevention programmes.
Further, he stated: “We must pat ourselves on the back for all our accomplishments thus far. Henceforth, I would like to urge all members of the Guyana Police Force to strengthen your commitment to the oath you took to serve and protect as we remain resolutely on the path of reform and you must continue to ensure service to the nation with the highest level of professionalism, trust, and integrity.”
He emphasised that the GPF was working assiduously to improve its mission of transparency, accountability, and professionalism. Hicken also urged the ranks to recommit themselves to working beyond the call of duty and engage with members of the community.
However, acting Deputy Commissioner (Administration) Calvin Brutus noted that Thursday’s awards ceremony marked an exponential increase in cash prizes and awards.
This, he said, serves as motivation for all ranks to work towards receiving those accolades that were later handed out at the ceremony.
“Apart from what is being handed out at the square today, the total amount of money, cash, and incentives that will be awarded between today and tomorrow or by the end of today will be a total of $88.4 million,” Brutus declared to a loud round of applause.
Some of the awards were handed over by Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, Home Affairs Ministry Permanent Secretary Mae Toussaint Jr Thomas and senior Police ranks.
Awardees were the Community Policing Groups and Individuals, Office of Professional Responsibility, General Office, and the various Regional Divisions.
Special awards were given to Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Central Immigration and Passport Office, Police Band Room, and Quartermaster Store: Textile Section and Tailor Shop.
The ceremony was well-attended by members of the Force’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and other senior functionaries of the Force, along with junior ranks from various divisions and departments.