By Krystal Kennedy for Radio Eve Leary
(Radio Eve Leary) – Onecia Bacchus, a dedicated and resilient woman, has made significant strides in both her academic and professional life. Bacchus is a Lance Corporal and instructor at the Guyana Police Force Academy.
Her journey began at Mahaicony Secondary School, where she faced challenges early on, including becoming a teenage mother. Despite this setback, Bacchus’s determination drove her to complete her CSEC examinations and subsequently secure employment at a call center. Her passion for athletics also flourished during this time; she excelled in track and field as a distance runner, competing in national events and participating in the 10k at the South American Games.
Encouraged by a coach who recognised her athletic talent, Bacchus pursued her long-standing ambition to join the Guyana Police Force.
She officially became part of the force in 2016, marking the beginning of a fulfilling career in law enforcement. In 2017, Bacchus took a brief hiatus from her studies but resumed in 2019, during which she was again pregnant. Grateful for the support of the Guyana Police Force, which allowed her the flexibility to balance her studies and family life, Bacchus continued her educational pursuits, earning an Associate’s degree before transitioning to a Bachelor’s in Social Work.
Bacchus graduated as the valedictorian from the Guyana Learning Institute in 2019, earning a certificate in Supervisory Management. She did not stop there; she furthered her education by obtaining a Master’s Degree in Strategic Development Studies from the Institute for Human Resiliency, Strategic Security, and the Future. Throughout her academic journey, she attended various workshops and programmes, including studies in Andragogy and teaching practice. She successfully passed all her studies with distinction.
Despite the challenges of balancing motherhood and academics, caring for her young daughter and later her second child, Bacchus’s pursuit of knowledge never faltered. She often studied from Sunday to Sunday, a rigorous schedule that occasionally led to feelings of depression due to the demanding nature of her commitments. Nevertheless, she emerged stronger, using her experiences to inform her work and the way she interacts with others.
Her time working at a juvenile holding centre was transformative. It provided her with a profound perspective on the social issues faced by youths and allowed her to differentiate between her training as a police officer and her background in social work, enhancing her ability to connect with individuals from various backgrounds.
As a role model for others, Bacchus aims to inspire young people to prioritise their education. She often advises them to “take the books first” and stay in school, demonstrating that despite life’s challenges, success is achievable. She acknowledges the tireless support of her parents, who, despite initial disappointment over her becoming a teenage mother, remained her pillars of strength. Additionally, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Commissioner of Police and his administrative staff for providing her with opportunities that enabled her to complete her studies. These experiences have contributed to her development as an individual and have shifted societal perceptions of her.
Outside her professional responsibilities, Bacchus has creative pursuits such as graphic design and writing storybooks. Looking towards the future, she aspires to earn a doctorate and continues to strive for personal and professional growth.
Onecia Bacchus exemplifies resilience and the transformative power of education, demonstrating that with determination and support, overcoming adversity and realising one’s dreams is entirely possible.
