Dear Editor,
The Guyana Police Force is responding to an article published in the Kaieteur News on Monday, December 13, 2010, under the caption ‘A bad precedence [sic] has been set by the Divisional Commander’ and which dealt with the recent annual awards ceremony and luncheon held by police ranks in ‘A’ Division.
From the outset the Force wishes to state that the ‘A’ Division annual awards ceremony and luncheon has been in existence for over twelve years during which monetary awards are presented by the Commissioner of Police and awards (hampers) to deserving ranks by the Divisional Commander supported by certain organisations and individuals who donate monetary and other incentives.
The regular awards are from Laparkan, Roraima Airways and National Hardware, while the hampers and cash are donated by members of the corporate community.
The allegation by the writer of the Divisional Commander trying to outdo the Commissioner who on October 22, 2010, had awarded various sums of money to the teams competing in the finals of the Force Drill Competition, including the ‘A’ Division male and female teams which were awarded $100,000 and $75,000, respectively, appears to have been due to a misunderstanding. The Divisional Comman-der in an atmosphere of friendliness and humour did mention that he was going to match the monies awarded to the ‘A’ Division drill teams at the Drill Competition by the Commissioner. In hindsight it seems that his words may have conveyed a wrong impression, but there was no intention to outdo or embarrass the Commissioner of Police.
The writer also mentioned about the nudity of the female models. However, it should be noted that the Divisional Commander added some spice to the occasion with a cultural programme which included two skits on domestic violence and a fashion display by models of the Sonia Noel outfit. The issue of nudity never arose because all the models were properly clad which can be confirmed by Ms Sonia Noel who was present at the function.
Yours faithfully,
Ivelaw Whittaker
Public Relations and Press Officer
