6.8% decrease in serious crime; junior police ranks promoted

See below the New Year’s message by Commissioner of Police (ag) Mr. Nigel Hoppie, DSM and the Promotion list of Junior Ranks of the Guyana Police Force:

Today marks the end of an exciting and challenging year that is now behind us. It has been not unlike previous years of challenges and opportunities with which we coped and grasped accordingly.

The end of 2020 signals the end of a period where members of the Law Enforcement community were faced with allegations of robbery, manslaughter, assault and corruption. Indeed the issues that arose were all of grave concern which caused us to focus on the modus operandi and standard operational procedures we have in place. We have modified some SOPs and have created new ones where necessary, and we are also in the process of updating our Standing Orders. Suffice it to say that we are ready to face whatever challenges confront us in 2021, as we consolidate on the gains of 2020.

2020 has not been altogether a year of negatives; several positives have arisen during the period. We confronted challenges of the criminal community and performed creditably having recorded a 6.8% decrease in serious crimes.

Our work at the General and Regional Elections, along with the transition of the new government, where we provided competent security with assistance from the Joint Services, and our continuing efforts in the fight against the existing Covid 19 pandemic have been significant.

In keeping with our thrust to build public trust and confidence the year 2021 must see greater involvement in community work, community outreach and community involvement with emphasis on moulding youths, notwithstanding the Covid 19 pandemic. We must be seen as playing an influential role in the communities.

During this festive season the Force has reduced its work force in the offices in order to have adequate manpower to patrol the streets and communities so that safety and security could be maintained. Special thanks to the Guyana Defence Force for its unfailing support in placing Joint Services ranks to assist, more specifically during the periods of protests on the West Coast of Berbice following three brutal murders that are under active investigation.

Thank you colleagues and also members of the Community Policing Groups for the support that you have given throughout 2020 and I urge that you maintain the quality of your work with the highest level of professionalism, trust and integrity.

Special congratulations to all members of the Force who have been promoted. May those promoted see this as an even greater step towards higher heights in the Force. Promotion comes from God and we must give him the praise. Bear in mind that the Commissioner promotes ranks up to that of Sergeant, while the Force recommends and the Police Service Commission promotes from Inspectors upwards.

To those who have not been promoted I urge that you be patient and murmur not, one day you will reap your just reward.

Once again may the richest blessings of God be showered upon your families and you, and may the year 2021 usher in greater good for you. May the peace of God be with us all.

NIGEL HOPPIE, DSM

Commissioner of Police (ag)

See below full list of junior police ranks promoted;

TO CORPORAL

TO LANCE CORPORAL

TO LANCE CORPORAL CONT’D

TO SPECIAL LANCE CORPORAL CONT’D

TO RURAL SERGEANT

1. Rural Constable Pastor Jean Roberts