Crime Chief urges newly promoted detectives to be wary of envy, betrayal

In an address to newly promoted detectives, Deputy Commissioner of Law Enforcement, Wendell Blanhum, highlighted the challenges that come with advancing through the ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Quoting Christian Horner, he remarked, “The higher you rise, the sharper the knives.”

The Crime Chief made these remarks at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe on Saturday, during the opening of a one-day training seminar designed for officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The seminar focused on three pivotal components of Guyana’s ongoing efforts to modernise its criminal justice system.

Urging the newly promoted detectives to maintain professionalism despite the challenges they may face, Crime Chief Blanhum explained, “The more you climb the rank structure, the more authority and titles you acquire, and with that comes increased scrutiny – both positive and negative.

“There will be envy, betrayal, and attempts to undermine you, just as it was with figures like Jesus Christ. You will be targeted by those who wish for your failure.”

He encouraged his ranks to remain steadfast and committed to the task at hand, despite the adversities they may encounter. “Stay the course and continue striving for the top of this noble organisation. Always maintain your professionalism, even when faced with those who wish for your downfall. Proverbs 14:30 reminds us that ‘a heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones,’ a powerful message that shows how destructive envy can be to one’s well-being,” Blanhum advised.

The training seminar, led by the Guyana Police Force’s Junior Legal Advisor, Ms. Janet A. Ali, focused on three critical legal reforms designed to enhance the country’s criminal justice system. These include the Needham’s Point Declaration on Criminal Justice Reform, the Criminal Law Procedure (Paper Committals) Act 2024, and the Criminal Procedure (Plea Discussion, Plea Agreement, and Assistance Agreement) Act 2024. [Extracted and modified from press release issued by the Guyana Police Force].