Newly-appointed Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken and his deputies are the most qualified, both professionally and academically, in the history of the Guyana Police Force.
President Dr Irfaan Ali, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, said this on Thursday as he addressed the ranks who took the Oath of Office.
Hicken, who acted in the role since March 2022, was sworn in as Commissioner of Police. He is now the first Commissioner of Police to be appointed after meeting the age of retirement.
Hicken is supported by several Deputy Commissioners of Police.
They are: Ravindradat Budhram, Wendell Blanhum, Errol Watts, and Fizul Karimbaksh and Simon McBean.
All, except, McBean, who is out of the jurisdiction, were also sworn. McBean will take his oath at a subsequent date.
In his address, President Ali spoke highly of the top brass of the Guyana Police Force. In fact, he said with their academic and professional qualification, they are the most qualified in the history of the force.
“There has never been a time in the life and history of the Guyana Police Force when we had this level of academic quality in the Guyana Police Force.
“There was never a time in the Guyana Police Force when we had the level of opportunity and exposure to professional and academic improvement that we have now.
“This must never be taken for granted.
“We have some of the finest lawyers among them. Some of the finest trainers before them, legal minds that make up the complement, management strategists by academic qualification and experience,” President Ali highlighted.
The Guyana Police Force was established in July 1839.
Furthermore, President Ali said Hicken and the deputies have shown “greater temperament” over their careers.
“Their careers speak for itself. They work in different regions of the country, under different circumstances, tested under different occasions but their strength not only lied in the hands of God or in their faith but in their love for the protection of the Constitution,” Dr Ali said.
Clifton Hicken
Hicken joined the Guyana Police Force in August 1986 as a Special Constable.
During his decades of service, he held various ranks including Lance Corporal, Corporal, Sergeant, Inspector, Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent, Senior Superintendent, and Assistant Commissioner.
He also commanded several policing divisions across the country including Region 4A, which comprises of the city of Georgetown and is said to be the largest.
Also, he headed the Police Force’s Operations.
“Mr Clifton Hicken as acting Commissioner you have demonstrated continuous strong leadership. I have known you for a very long time.
“Your career evolved among various challenges faced by the Cooperative Republic of Guyana,” President Ali said as he praised the ranks individually.
Under his leadership, the force has been executing the Strategic Plan 2022-2026, which geared at transforming the law enforcement organisation into a contemporary one through the development of its human resources and other capabilities.
Ravindradat Budhram
Budhram is currently head of the Force ‘Administration’
He has a law degree. He also held various leadership positions in the Force including serving as the head of law enforcement.
“Deputy Commissioner Budhram, you have worked on various operations and you have shown that you have the ability to assist the Commissioner of Police in the execution of his duties and to lead with distinction.
“You are also the holder of a Degree in Law and you sacrificed completing your law programme in Trinidad, giving your son the first opportunity,” President Ali said.
Errol Watts
Presently, Watts serves as the head of the Guyana Police Force Special Branch.
“I have had the opportunity to engage you for a lot of my life. You have worked in different divisions and different sections of the Guyana Police Force.
“Stringent and rigid is used to describe you. I know that as a member of the team, you have the capacity and capability and with the commitment you will bring great value to the leadership of the Guyana Police Force,” the President said.
Like his colleagues, Watts also served as Commander of different divisions. The most recent was Region Three.
Wendell Blanhum
Wendell Blanhum is the country’s Crime Chief. In 2015, he became the youngest officer to be appointed as Crime Chief.
“You are a scholar in every regard.
“You have distinguished yourself and results and performance. (You are) highly motivated and I look forward to your continued drive and commitment in resolving crime and bringing justice in every circumstance,” Dr Ali said.
Blanhum is also a lawyer after completing his studies and being admitted to the bar in 2022.
He also holds a diploma and degree in public management, a post-graduate diploma in development studies, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.
During his 24-year service in the Police Force, Blanhum has been responsible for solving several high-profile cases.
Simon McBean
Simon McBean has over 20 years of service under his belt.
He is also a holder of a Master’s Degree in Global Security at the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom (UK).
Currently, McBean is the Commander of Police Division 4A. Before this, he too headed several divisions.
“Deputy Commissioner Mc Bean though not here has also distinguished himself as a Commander.
“I also had the opportunity to see him work in different divisions, under different circumstances and he has exhibited a level of professionalism that is befitting the uniform he represents,” President Ali said.
Fizul Karimbaksh
And finally, Fizul Karimbaksh is the head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). This unit, President Ali, said is a serious arm of law enforcement as the economy grows and expands.
“You too have worked in different environments, different divisions.
“You too would have had different experiences and as a member of the leadership of the Guyana Police Force, I am convinced that you will support the Commissioner and bring and add value to the Guyana Police Force in a very important and serious arm of law enforcement and the security architecture,” President Ali said as he spoke directly Karimbaksh.
