THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) ‘A’ Division yesterday hosted its annual awards ceremony and Christmas luncheon in its Brickdam, Georgetown compound, where male and female ranks were rewarded for their sterling service.

Best Cop Detective Sergeant Houston being awarded yesterday by Captain Gerald Gouveia.

Police Commissioner Henry Greene reiterated that the function is geared to recognise the good work of policemen and policewomen who are awarded for their efforts.

“I don’t know how many of you worked for the awards but policemen and women are awarded based on their performance,” he told the gathering.

Mr. Greene said some of them did the GPF proud and, overall, when he looked at the records, it showed that ‘A’ Division did fairly well.

He said there was a significant reduction in the 12 serious crimes categories in ‘A’ Division, when compared to last year.

Regarding the 911 Department, which is managed by policewomen from Felix Austin Police College, Greene congratulated them for their good work and gave them $100,000.

The awardees yesterday with Mr. Vibert Parvatan and his assistant Ms. Laletta Sivanand.

He said the GPF is in the process of purchasing a recording system for that department to significantly boost its service.

Greene also recognised Police Prosecutors who work diligently in the Courts every day and said it is reflective of the cases they have won.

“Do us proud this Christmas. We do not want to hear reports of Police using excessive force on people and negotiating cases,” he exhorted them.

The Top Cop urged policemen and policewoman to respond to reports immediately, especially in cases of domestic violence, which must be treated with prominence.

He said: “We don’t want to hear that there is no vehicle and ranks asking people to come with their vehicle, then you will respond, because there are enough vehicles in the GPF for swift Police action.”

Greene pleaded with the ranks to do their work and take the necessary actions when it involves their motto ‘Service and Protection’ and act even when supervisors are not present to guide them.

The Commissioner appealed to them not to treat people anyhow when they are making reports, as the latter are there to seek help.

He allocated $300,000 to the ‘A’ Division cops.

SUPPORT
‘A’ Division Commander, Assistant Commissioner George Vyphuis mentioned the Laparkan and Roraima awards and the support obtained from the business community over the years.

Roraima Airways owner, Mr. Gerald Gouveia remarked that, even though they cannot pay the Police for the duties they perform daily, it was an honour to award some of them yesterday.

He said he is impressed with their performance and they should all be commended for putting their lives on the line every day.

Gouveia pledged more Private Sector support to the GPF.

Mr. Vibert Parvatan, of Laparkan Group of Companies, heeded the request for an increase in the gift certificates donated to policemen and policewomen.

He, too, expressed appreciation for their efforts.

Detective Sergeant Houston, who won the ‘Best Cop’ award, in the vote of thanks, challenged his colleagues to work harder and win the 2010 prize.

From the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Brickdam, he copped the Roraima Award for 30 narcotics cases which yielded cannabis (marijuana) and cocaine convictions.

The runner-up, Corporal Jack got the National Hardware prize.

Commissioner Greene also promoted Corporal Gregory Brusche of CID Brickdam, to Sergeant and he was given a basket of groceries and $50,000 by Gouveia.

Brusche was shot and injured several years ago during the 2002 to 2004 crime wave and lost sight in both eyes but continues to work at Brickdam Station.

‘A’ Division Commander’s Award went to Inspector Winter, Woman Corporal Webster, Woman Corporal Ali, Detective Corporal Muruguyya, Corporal Harisaywack, Constable Gouveia, Constable Singh, Woman Constable Greene and Constable Fernandes.

The Laparkan awards were given to Constable Europe for January; Woman Constable King-Blair for February; Detective Constable Percival for March; Woman Constable Johnson for April; Constable Springer for May; Woman Lance Corporal Booker for June; Woman Corporal Marques for July; Corporal Noel for August; Corporal Stanley for September; Woman Corporal Scott for October; Detective Sergeant Stephens for November and Corporal Jack for December, all in 2009.

Mess Staff awards were received by seven policewomen and one, Constable Daniels, got accelerated promotion, by the Commissioner, to Sergeant.