‘West Side’ Gymkhana 2022 wows spectators

Scores of persons from all walks of life came out to witness the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Gymkhana 2022’s “Best Side Edition”, on Sunday despite the dark clouds and persistent rain that resulted in a delayed start to the exciting and fun event.
The Gymkhana event dubbed the “Best Side Edition”, which was held at the Uitvlugt Community Centre Ground, West Coast Demerara (WCD), was hosted by Regional Police Division #3.
The event kicked off with a march past by the various participating teams of the Police Force.
Though the weather swiftly changed, that certainly did not stop the beautiful musical renditions by the Police ranks from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).
The large gathering was entertained by the GPF band which played an array of songs including the popular Soca hit “Jamming Still”. To further thrill the gathering, DJ Akelo brought the KFC sing-off to Gymkhana allowing desirous spectators to participate in the sing-off competition.
Sunday’s activities included the obedience drill, acrobatics, greasy pig, musical chairs, dirt bikes display, tug-o-war, agility, dances, activity ride, and tent pegging.
Activities that had patrons on their feet cheering were the bat spin race, three-legged race, sack race, late-for-work race, hot dog race, watermelon and buns eating competition, two-litre drink for life competition, needle-and-thread race, and egg-and-spoon race, among others. Cash prizes were awarded to the winners who took part in the many daring stunts and thrilling activities put together by the GPF.
To add to the list of fun activities, the children were treated to attractions such as trampolines and bouncy castles. To bring the curtains down on the day’s activity the Uitvlugt ground came alive as Officer Bling and Granny Ivy made special appearances; these certainly evoked much laughter.
In an effort to build relations with the public, the GPF was aiming to take Gymkhana to a number of other regions across the country. Present at the event on Sunday were the acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken; Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn; Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues; Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar; Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, Home Affairs Ministry Permanent Secretary Mae Toussaint Jr Thomas, and other senior and junior officers and ranks of the GPF.
Gymkhana, which returned after a two-year hiatus owing to COVID-19, saw the first edition on May 8, 2022, at the Police Sports Club Ground located at Eve Leary, Georgetown with similar activities to those that were on display on Sunday.