This year, the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has recorded the lowest rate of serious crime and highest cocaine seizures in the last ten years.
Crime Chief, Assistant Commissioner Wendell Blanhum made this disclosure yesterday at the CID’s annual Christmas luncheon and awards ceremony.
During the event which was held at the Police Officers Mess Annex, Eve Leary, a number of ranks were recognised for their work throughout the year.
Inspector Nigel Stephen, who is attached to the Major Crimes Investigations Unit was named CID ‘Best Detective’. His work led to breakthroughs in several high profile cases including the murders of doctor Colin Roach, Canadian national Nicholas Jaipaul, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Lance Corporal Daniel Fraser and his girlfriend Sheniqua Hodge and retired priest George Chuck-A-Sang.
He was also responsible for solving the $58M gold heist at Gordon Street, Kitty.
Inspector Fraser received a plaque, cash, a return ticket to the United States (US), a television and other prizes.
Sergeant Ameer Mohamed was the runner-up.
Ranks from several others sections within the CID including the firearms unit, crime lab, CCTV room and narcotics branch were also rewarded for their work.
Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie promoted eight ranks including seven of the awardees on-the-spot to the ranks of Lance Corporal and Sergeant.
In his address, Blanhum commended all of the ranks for their work throughout the year.
“I want to personally commend each and every one of you for your continued commitment and dedication…working beyond the normal call of duty, ensuring every lead is followed up, every information received is investigated and investigations are completed in a timely manner,” he said.
Notably, Blanhum explained that the CID has recorded significant successes as it relates to arresting and prosecuting high profile offenders involved in homicides, armed robberies and home invasions.
“And this has resulted in 21 percent reduction in serious crime for the year 2021 when compared to the same period in 2020….. There was no abracadabra. It was as a result of hard work, dedication, commitment and discipline demonstrated by members of the Criminal Investigation Department,” he stated.
According to Blanhum, some of the department’s “most” outstanding achievements during the year include the lowest rate of serious crimes in the last 10 years, the third lowest murder rate in the last ten years and the lowest number of robbery/murder.
Further, he said the department has also recorded the highest cocaine seizure over a ten years period.
“The lowest rate for break and enter and larceny in the last ten years and the highest cocaine seizures over a ten-year period which amounts to 536.3 kilograms of cocaine being seized for the year 2021… .This is just a few,” Blanhum stated.
Every rank of the CID, Blanhum said should be proud of the achievements. “We must recognise our robust intelligence gathering capability, crime patrols, targeting hotspots and crime analysis,” he said.
