GPF’s Marine Unit hosts inaugural Thanksgiving Service, Award Ceremony

– Sergeant McDonald named ‘Best Cop’ for the Unit

The Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Marine Unit marked the start of the new year with a special Thanksgiving Service and Awards Ceremony on Saturday under the theme, ‘Celebrate with us as we give thanks for our blessings and another successful year of service and protection.’
The event, held at the Marine Unit headquarters in South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, provided officers and staff with an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past year while seeking blessings for continued success in their commitment to serving and protecting the nation.
The service featured a sermon by Pastor Dr Paul Benjamin, accompanied by worship and praise led by the Police Band Room.

However, members of the unit were presented with plaques and other tokens of appreciation for their outstanding contributions to safeguarding the nation’s waterways and marine environment.
Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’, Errol Watts emphasised the importance of gratitude and fostering a supportive working environment for the ranks of the GPF.
“It is my belief and teaching that we must give thanks. The priority is to ensure our ranks are comfortable while performing their duties,” Watts posited.
Under the GPF’s Strategic Plan for 2025–2026, Watts highlighted partnerships with the University of Guyana (UG) to develop a comprehensive infrastructural plan aimed at improving working conditions and ensuring the welfare of the Force’s members.

“We cannot work alone; we must work together,” Watts urged the gathering as he acknowledged the support of the GPF’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and the Government. He also outlined several training programmes available to enhance the skills and efficiency of the ranks, particularly those assigned to the Marine Unit.
As part of modernisation efforts, the Deputy Commissioner announced that the Force had acquired 13 new vessels and implemented specialised training programmes to ensure personnel are well-equipped to operate independently and effectively in their mandate to serve the nation.

Meanwhile, Sergeant McDonald was named the Marine Unit’s Best Cop of 2024 and was awarded a plaque and a $50,000 cash award for his dedicated service throughout the year.
Among those present at the Thanksgiving Service were Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh; Head of Police Transport Senior Superintendent Himnauth Sawh; Deputy Chief Immigration Officer, Mr Stephen Telford; Superintendent Troy Whittaker; and other senior and junior officers.