GPF’s Communications & IT department host annual awards ceremony

The Communications Branch and Information Technology Department of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Tuesday, January 13 celebrated the dedication and achievements of its staff at its Annual Awards Ceremony and Luncheon, at the Police Officers’ Mess Annex.
It recognised outstanding performance and dedication by its ranks for the year 2025.
According to the GPF, senior leadership, including Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ Errol Watts, Assistant Commissioner Khalid Mandall, and Senior Superintendent Jermaine Johnson, Officer-in-Charge of the department, were among the attendees.
The ceremony, which began with an invocation by Pastor Sharma, was chaired by Assistant Superintendent Renee and Assistant Superintendent (on Probation) Rameshwar.
Senior Superintendent Johnson delivered a comprehensive review of the department’s operational successes throughout 2025. In his address, he extended congratulations to all awardees and encouraged ranks to maintain their steadfast commitment to duty.
Deputy Commissioner Watts also addressed the gathering, applauding the recipients and challenging the department to reach even higher standards of performance in the coming year.
Officer-in-Charge of the Communications and Information Technology department, Senior Superintendent J. Johnson, described 2025 as a highly productive year, noting that the department remains a critical frontline support unit underpinning nationwide policing operations.
He highlighted key achievements, including the deployment and management of over 1,200 handheld radios, hundreds of base radios, more than 300 computers, IP PBX telephone systems, body-worn cameras, generators, and the expansion of CCTV and public display screens across several regions. These initiatives have significantly strengthened crime prevention and response.
Senior Superintendent Johnson also outlined the department’s vision for 2026, which includes the development of a standalone pillar within the Force’s Strategic Management Framework, with emphasis on integration, sustainability, security, and human resource development, all geared toward improved service delivery to the police and the public.
In his address, the Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Mr Errol Watts, lauded the performance of the Communications and Information Technology Department for the year 2025, stating that it was “above expectation.”
Deputy Commissioner Watts emphasised the Department’s work on continued policing services, citing numerous examples where the ranks rushed to respond to technical issues at police stations nationwide, including some of the most remote regions. He praised the department’s contribution to accountability and transparency through the expansion of CCTV systems at police stations and public locations, noting that such technology has directly aided investigations and disciplinary processes.
He further pointed out that, in addition to technological innovation, operational policing has contributed to a significant reduction in crime and emphasised that there was an operational need to extend systems such as electronic fleet management, asset tracking, and vehicle monitoring during 2025.
The Deputy Commissioner confirmed the full support of the Force’s Administration to the Department and encouraged continued innovation, professionalism, and teamwork.
The awards were presented to outstanding performers across the branch for 2025. The Best Worker of the Year 2025 was awarded to an outstanding performer in each section: Hardware: Lance Corporal Bristol; Software Section: Pernell Easton; Network Section: Avinash Mohod; A/C Section: Sergeant Harding; Radio Workshop: Constable Ali; and Electrical Section: Woman Constable Pollard
Runner-Up Best Worker 2025 was awarded to: Hardware Section: Corporal Dean; Software Section: Sergeant Rogers; Network Section: Corporal Isaacs; Radio Workshop: Corporal Collison; and Electrical Section: Special Constable Bristol.
The ceremony included the presentation of hampers, as well as a vote of thanks by Lance Corporal Bristol, and concluded with a luncheon, which was served by senior officers.
The occasion marked a moment to celebrate excellence as well as a reminder of the importance of the Communications and Information Technology Department’s contribution towards modern policing within the Guyana Police Force, the GPF stated. (Photos by Jermaine Anderson and CCU Sergeants George, Rajballi, and Vanrossum)