Region Two cops awarded for ‘exceptional work’

Several policemen and women in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) were on Wednesday awarded trophies, incentives and other gifts for their exceptional performance this year.

Lance Corporal Shamar Marcus is the Region’s best cop for 2022 and the runner-up is Sergeant Hilton Benjamin. They were rewarded at the Region’s Annual Awards and Christmas Luncheon held at the Jaigobin Hotel, Henrietta, Essequibo Coast.

Lance Corporal Marcus was transferred from the traffic department to anti-crime patrol this year and has done remarkably well, his superiors noted.

He joined the Guyana Police Force in April 2019 and said he is proud to serve his country.

He received $50,000 cash, a trophy and a certificate while Sergeant Benjamin received $25,000 cash, a trophy and a certificate.

Approximately 85 certificates were presented to ranks on Wednesday.

Head of Special Branch, Deputy Police Commissioner of Errol Watts, who spoke on behalf of Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken, said the region recorded a reduction in crime as a result of strategic investigations.

“For that, I want to congratulate the Commander and his team for their dedication,” Watts said while noting that the Region is the most outstanding crime-fighting Police Division.

He handed over $300,000 to the Division on behalf of Commissioner Hicken.

“The overall reduction is 19.2 per cent in the country and Region Two has 47 per cent reduction in crime. I normally call Region two a quiet zone [but] do not take the quiet zone as a means to sit back. Continue to work hard to serve your community,” Watts told the gathering.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairwoman Vilma De Silva called on the Police to partner with the Regional Democratic Council and congratulated the outstanding performances of the ranks.

She said it is her desire for the business community to have confidence in the Police and to continue to improve the image of the force.

Meanwhile, Regional Commander Khemraj Shivbaran pledged that the Region will see a further reduction in crime with prudent management and intelligence.