Commander of ‘B’ Division Bryan Joseph on Monday charged a new batch of officers at the Felix Austin Police College at Adventure, Corentyne to discharge their duties with a clear sense of professionalism, which can ensure they get cooperation from citizens.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Joseph told the 24 graduates that their approach must contribute to development and modernisation, while he also emphasised the importance of ethics to policing.
He told them that it is with only hard work, diligence and adherence to their oath of office and a desire to fulfil the mission of the Guyana Police Force that they “would be able to enjoy the respect and cooperation of citizens and visitors to this shore.”
Among those in attendance at the graduation was US Ambassador to Guyana Brent Hardt, who stressed that there cannot be development unless there is security of the citizens. He said people like to know that they are safe and that is one of the reasons why the US has had a strong focus on security and cooperation.
He also told the officers that the training they received to deal with domestic violence, human rights and trafficking in persons were all critical issues in the community. “You are the ones that people would rely on to make sure where a tension is building in a household, the spouse, the male or female, gets protected,” the Ambassador said, while adding that they need be aware and “know how to operate in these situations, whether it is domestic violence or [a] human trafficking scenario.”
Hardt also called on the police to have a good relationship with the citizenry. He mentioned that he is engaged in organising a group of young people from Guyana to attend a major conference in the US, called “No Witness, No Justice.” He emphasised that it is the responsibility of citizens to come forward in order for the police to do their jobs.
According to him, “If the police arrest somebody, that person can be back on the street unless witnesses come forward….”
Inspector Yonette Stephens, class instructor, told the gathering that training focused on information technology, police duties, traffic, crime, micro-computer studies and first aid.
The trainees were also privileged to attend the University of Guyana’s Tain Campus, where they were exposed to basic computer studies, written and oral communication and problem solving skills, among other courses.
They were also attached to the Felix Austin Police College in Georgetown, where they did further training at the Tactical Services Unit.
She said the “overall performance was fair,” with 99 percent of the trainees obtaining over 60 percent. Constable Towler earned the highest score with 91 percent and was named Best Graduating Student.
Stephens emphasised the importance of continuous training and urged the graduates to never stop wanting to receive training since the sky is the limit.
Addressing sub-divisional officers and subordinate officers, especially those in charge of stations, she said, “We have brought them this far; they have just emerged from the wombs. It is now your duty to guide and nurture them until they are grown….”
One of the trainees, Constable Higgins, said they had developed camaraderie and they were aware that together they are strong. He urged members of the public who have vital information to fight crime to share it with the police.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Management Committee of the college and President of the St. Francis Community Developers Alex Foster said it is a privilege to work with other members to ensure that the college receives the support from the wider community.
He said during a meeting with President Donald Ramotar in October, he had asked for the facility to be extended to establish a dormitory for females, so they can also receive training at the institution.
The president has asked Regional Chairman David Armogan to visit along with Foster to ensure that the project can become a reality.
