Amid a spate of carjackings, the Commander of `A’ Division, Marlon Chapman yesterday vowed that the gang behind these attacks will be dismantled.
A number of ranks attached to the police ‘A’ Division were yesterday recognized for hard work and commitment throughout the year, at their annual Christmas Luncheon and Awards ceremony where Commissioner of Police (ag) David Ramnarine granted a sum of $500,000 towards the division’s activities in the new year.
During the annual event which was held in the compound of the Brickdam Police Station, numerous ranks were lauded for their performance and were awarded incentives while others were presented with plaques, trophies or gift certificates from various sponsors.
Ramnarine during his Christmas message said that efforts are being made to address the shortcomings in the force. “We are existing in an increasing dynamic environment, an environment where the requests for police services are increasing all the time”, he said.
He told the ranks that it is important that they recognize “the calling” they have choosen and to take criticism in good stride so that at the end of the day there can be an improved service provided to the nation.
“A Division you have done well, notwithstanding the fact that some of your colleagues in uniform did bring a certain level of disgrace during the year”, Ramnarine said, while adding that “we are not going to bury our heads in the sand” but rather move on with a better purpose, aim and stronger commitment.
The acting Commission-er also reminded the ranks that during this holiday season, a majority of the population is in a festive mood and as such it is required that all those who took the oath of office, provide a level of safety and security so that citizens can go about their daily routine with a great degree of assurance of their safety.
“I urged you to be humble in this process, I urge you to be respectable first about yourself, second to your colleagues, understand each other’s role and function but the most important one is to be responsible to those who you took the oath to serve because they are your masters”, Ramnarine urged the ranks
Meanwhile, Commander of ‘A’ Division Chapman applauded his ranks, who he said despite the challenges, had performed at their “utmost best”.
He said that while the division has recorded a 5% reduction in serious crime, more needs to be done and will be done. “We cannot stop crime but of course we can suppress it”, Chapman said.
Throughout the year, the division had also managed to recover 54 firearms and one of its major concerns is the crime of armed robberies where vehicles are being stolen. “I can assure you that gang will be dismantled”, Chapman said.
Chapman lauded the Cops and Faith Network, saying it has been doing a good job and has dealt with a number of cases in terms of providing advice, intervening in certain matters and trying to put the youths on the right path.
He also acknowledged the efforts of the community policing groups, who he described as a “tower of strength” especially in the East Bank and Yarrowkabra areas.
In terms of the traffic situation, the commander said that he is satisfied with the performance which has led to one of the ranks from that department being awarded this year’s best cop.
Best Cop
Sergeant 19499 Garvin Boyce copped the Division’s Best Cop award. Boyce, who is stationed at the ‘A’ Division Traffic department and is known for his strict and outstanding performance especially around the Stabroek Market bus parks was deemed as the best traffic enforcer officer of the division. Throughout the year, he has made a total of 1000 traffic cases thus far.
His prizes included cash, trophies, a trip for two to Kaieteur Falls and gift certificate.
The runner-up prize was awarded to Detective Sergeant 19798 Rodwell Sarabo. Sarabo played a critical part in investigating and solving some of the high-profiles cases this year including the murder of popular vendor, Godfrey Scipio called “Saga”, the botched robbery at the Republic bank Water Street location and the Freeman Street murder.
In 2015, he was named best detective of the year.
