Police must maintain moral strength, fairness of mind to protect nation – Top Cop

…as GPF pays tribute to fallen heroes
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) paid tribute to 67 fallen heroes who died in the line of duty with a wreath-laying ceremony held at the Officers’ Mess Compound in Eve Leary, Georgetown, on Sunday.
The event, part of the GPF’s 184th-anniversary celebration, saw the presence of high-ranking officials, including Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn and acting Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, as well as widows, children, and relatives of the ranks who died participating in the laying of wreaths at the monument.
Deputy Commissioner Administration (ag), Calvin Brutus speaking at the ceremony emphasised the significance of the occasion, recognising the sacrifices made by the fallen heroes to ensure public security.
He stated, “While life is unpredictable, the Force does not wish to lose any more of its officers in the line of duty in the future.”
A 21-gun salute, the Last Post, a moment of silence, and another 21-gun salute were observed during the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Minister Benn, in his address, highlighted the sacrifices made by the fallen heroes and spoke of the importance of peace for the country’s development.
He said, “The death of the fallen heroes shows the sacrifices the Police Force has been making for its country over the years. For this year so far, two Police officers were added to the number, and this remembrance is fresh again in our minds with respect to falling in the line of duty.”
He further emphasised the necessity of peace, stating, “Peace in our country is, of course, so necessary, particularly at this propitious moment in our country’s development. Without peace, there would be no progress, no prosperity, and no future.”
Benn also called on the GPF to continue working towards maintaining peace and acknowledged the importance of professional training for officers.
Acting Commissioner Hicken stressed the significance of safety and security, acknowledging the sacrifices made by Police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
He remarked, “It should be recognised that being enlisted in the Guyana Police Force as an officer has its challenges. As it takes commitment, we must be able to maintain moral strength, resist opposition, and possess fairness of mind to protect the nation in the line of duty.”
The Head of the Force highlighted the efforts of the Guyana Police Force in honouring fallen heroes through its Fallen Heroes Foundation Inc, established in 2015 in collaboration with the Cops and Faith Community Network.
He explained that the foundation provides various forms of support to families, including welfare assistance, financial aid, and educational assistance for children under the age of 18.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Fallen Heroes Foundation, Bishop Dr Raphael Massiah while giving remarks expressed his belief that the hard work and sacrifice of the fallen officers should be recognised and rewarded to acknowledge their significant contributions.
During the ceremony, words of comfort were offered to the families, relatives and friends of the fallen heroes as a gesture of support and solace. (G9)