In efforts to reward ranks for their outstanding work while motivating others to step up their game, the Guyana Police Force held its annual awards ceremony for which in excess of $17 million in cash and prizes was expended.
The ceremony, which saw some 2106 ranks being rewarded with cash and other prizes for performing exceedingly well over the past year, was held at the Officers’ Mess Annex on Wednesday.
Delivering the feature address, acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine
This year’s top performing ranks of the Guyana Police Force posed for a photo with the Force’s hierarchy after Wednesday’s award ceremony
reflected on the successes and achievements of the Force over the past year, noting that much more can be done to better improve the Police Force.
He posited that the numerous donations of vehicles and equipment coupled with the training offered by both local and international partners were done with the expectation of enhancing performance by ranks.
“To whom much is given, much is expected, much is required. We have received, are receiving and will continue to receive much-needed capacity building in human and material resources. We have to deliver and cannot expect anything less; we can deliver and must deliver improved performances so that our quality of service
2017 Best Cop, Superintendent Charmaine Stuart
improves and that our complaints in particular will reduce, and unprofessional conduct needs to be dealt with condignly and must reduce,” the acting Top Cop asserted.
Ramnarine went on to say that those ranks who were not awarded should use this as a motivational tool to work harder in the future so that they too could be rewarded.
“Let me congratulate all those of you who have received and will receive financial and other rewards, and encourage those yet to receive to strive harder, make a greater effort and yours would be right around the corner,” he stated.
Outshining her colleagues to arrest the top prize of the Police Force’s Best Cop (overall) Award was Director of Music, Superintendent Charmaine Stuart. She was rewarded for her “unwavering, disciplined, committed and focused” dedication to the job, for which she is praised for always going beyond the call of duty.
With 28 years of service under her belt, Stuart had broken the so-called glass ceiling to become the first woman to head the Force’s band in its 177 years of existence. Among her many other portfolios, she also chairs the Joint Services Culture Committee and is the Vice President of the Guyana Association of Women Police.
Superintendent Stuart was awarded a trophy along with $250,000. She was also given a plaque and $100,000 for her work as the Music Director.
Additionally, she was given a trip for two to Aruba, one to Kaieteur Falls and one to Arrrowpoint Nature Resort as well as dinner for two at the Duke Lodge – all compliments of the Roraima Group of Companies.
Meanwhile, the runner-up Best Cop spot was given to Sergeant Boyce, a traffic rank who was also named Best Cop of A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara). A Best Cop from each of the policing divisions was also rewarded with $100,000 and a plaque.
Other ranks who made a breakthrough in several high-profile cases were also awarded with monetary prizes. Moreover, due recognition was also given to Community Policing Group members from various divisions across the country.
