Two hundred and ninety-five graduating police constables were yesterday urged to be exceptional in their service to the nation during a ceremony held at the Guyana Police Force’s Sports Club Ground at Eve Leary.
Speaking on behalf of Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud, Assistant Commissioner -Administration David Ramnarine congratulated the ranks on reaching the base of “an important career for the Guyana Police Force. You are entering a very noble and glorious profession and don’t ever let anyone tell you anything differently. Unless you conduct yourself in such a manner that allows him or her to tell you so.”
He told them that it is a profession in which they should serve with pride and dignity.
He said that while the salary might be small, he was imploring the ranks to enjoy their service. “If you serve well then you are rewarded and it is invaluable because you are serving humanity, which is the highest calling in this world,” he added. He emphasized that the new ranks should act ethically regardless of the situation and warned against corruption and negative complications. “I urge you to learn and live within your salary, be patient and humble and try to set a good example,” he said, stating that as public servants, they took an oath to serve the public and the public is their master. “… And no servant in any part of this world can be greater than their master. All of us in this uniform are in unique positions as we are often times called to regulate the actions of our master and you must do this in a fair and transparent manner.” He added that at all times the rights of the victim and suspect have to be respected.
He said that they will be operating in a dynamic environment where technology controls everything and they should always keep abreast with the world and try to increase their knowledge. He also recommended the new ranks read Understanding Human Behavior for Effective Police Work by Harold Russell and Alan Beigel.
“Law enforcement cannot work alone. There will be times when you have to face situations where emotions are high and danger is a threat and you have to call upon all the resources,” he said, adding that sooner or later the ranks will understand their roles in the community and urging them to get involved in the respective communities they will be placed to work in.
“You have reached an important stage but please remember as we continue into the real work and service your decision good or bad, bad manners and negative actions will only serve to separate the populace from us,” he said, stating that they are like white sheep and every action will be like paint on them. “… Imagine slapping black paint on the sheep and how ugly it will look. Any bad action will affect the image of the GPF and order to build relationships, trust and respect are the two most important factors,” he said, stating that after trust and respect are earned, the support will flow. He urged the new ranks to be role models. After Ramnarine’s speech, the best graduating ranks, second best graduating ranks, and most improved ranks were given trophies. The ranks also put on a martial arts self-defence display as their families and friends looked on and a grand march past. Music was provided by the Guyana Police Force Band.
