As the Guyana Police Force (GPF) continues its 180th anniversary celebration, some G$19.5 million was gifted to ranks who performed exceptionally so far in 2019.
The award ceremony was held at the Tactical Services Unit Drill Square, Eve Leary and saw 36 community policing groups being awarded, while 36 rural constables were specially recognised.
Special awards and recognition were given to several ranks and teams including those officers who apprehend the five men who conspired, robbed and murdered the Better Hope, East Coast Demerara money changer, Aaron Latchman, and his 18-year-old daughter Arianna Latchman.
For that award, the teams from the Major Crime Units of Divisions “A” and “C” received G$200,000.
Additionally, the ranks who shot and killed three bandits at Norton Street, Georgetown in May were awarded G$90,000 for their work. Moreover, the ranks who confronted and killed three bandits at Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, Berbice were also awarded a sum of G$115,000.
Several other ranks, including those who arrested two Venezuelans who were found to be in possession of grenades, received monetary incentives of G$100,000 each.
Speaking at the ceremony, Top Cop Leslie James said ranks who uphold the good name of the Police Force by sticking to their commitment to serve and protect will continue to be recognised and awarded.
“This event has long been a practice of the Force’s administration and is now a permanent feature on our calendar of anniversary activities. As Commissioner of Police, I am pleased to report that over the past 5 years, the Guyana Police Force has paid out nearly G$154 million and will today (Wednesday) be paying out some G$19.5 million with another portion to be paid a little later this year. These awards and recognition are never in vain for the records will show that the awardees and receivers of incentives and commendation continue to excel and venture beyond the call of duty,” James stated.
Commissioner James noted that the recognition of hard work leads to more hard work, a factor which was taken into consideration when awarding the ranks.
“There is a positive correlation between the growth of an object and the attention that it gets or it garners. This analogy is also true as regards actions and outcomes. Recognition and or reward for positive actions invariably leads to more positive actions,” the Police commissioner stated. He added that equally, mediocrity would not and should not attract action or more so reward.
“The reason for our attendance at this ceremony today is to reward positive action, we are here to recognise stellar performances of our policemen and women, those individuals that allow us to maintain that trust, those that proceed beyond the call of duty and those who clearly understand their roles, functions and responsibilities,” the Police Commissioner commended.
A total of 54 ranks were recognised and awarded on Wednesday.
