Thirteen hundred members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were yesterday endowed with $12.3 million in awards for exceptional service as part of the Force’s annual anniversary celebrations.
This year, the GPF celebrates its 175th anniversary and held its traditional awards ceremony which began in 1990. Speaking at the ceremony, Commis-sioner of Police Seelall Persaud recognized the role such an event plays. “This snapshot of the performance of our ranks, apart from the abuses, is certainly deserving of the awards
they are receiving and, like before, contribute to constructive competition, teamwork, and an overall improvement of the service we provide to the public,” Persaud said.
“The positive motivational impact it has on our ranks by recognizing efforts they made beyond the normal call of duty, a motivation that impacted positively on the services we provide to the people we serve, has indicated that this ceremony remained relevant…” he added.
Awards were given out to officers, inspectors, and other ranks for outstanding performance including the apprehending of persons with illegal firearms, the uplifting of prints during crime scene investigations, the near-eradication of illicit drugs in Berbice, and the implementation and running of Project Impact Albouystown.
In some cases, the ranks’ roles have led to charges being laid against alleged criminals as well as convictions of law-breakers.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Cadet Officer Alphonso said, “Today we are being congratulated for dedication, commitment, integrity, and character… Today we are celebrating the fact that we as awardees stood up and took action.”
The event is held twice yearly and will see more officers being awarded in December.
