POLICE ‘B’ Division Commander Steven Merai has told recruits currently undergoing training that failure to qualify in the use of English Language thwarts a hundred latent mental talents. He referred to words penned by Ian Mc Donald in the January 15, 1995 edition of  Stabroek News when addressing the start of a four-day workshop on Monday.
“An image that cannot be far-fetched is to compare a person lacking basic language skills with a person affected by a stroke, whose mental capacity is unimpaired but whose ability to express himself is paralysed,” the Assistant Commissioner told participants.
He said that learning and thrust for improved knowledge  must never be seen as problematic but, instead, as a means by and through which greater insights and experiences are taught with a view of improvement.
The programme, being conducted at Tain, Corentyne, was organised in partnership with the University of Guyana (UG) Berbice Campus, Felix Austin Police College and Central  Corentyne Chamber of Commerce.
It is aimed at improving the skills of the recruits being trained at the Adventure Police College, Corentyne.
Topics to be covered during the historical sessions are written communication, report writing, communication and mannerly conduct, ethics and ethical behaviour, problem solving and the fundamentals of computer usage.
In his remarks, Merai also urged the ranks to pay rapt attention whilst at the institution and aspire to learn as much as possible.
He commended the administrators of Tain Campus for putting together such a programme for the benefit of the young members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
“Often policemen are ridiculed, in the print and electronic media and certain sections of the public, as being illiterate and semi-illiterate. Therefore, don’t let this opportunity be wasted. For, as you know, one lost can never be regained,” Merai advised the potential cops.
Professor Diazal Samad, Director  of the Tain Campus, noted that recruits need to be tutored in other areas, so as to carry out their duties in a professional manner.
Also a member of the College Management Committee, he recalled a previous workshop, last November, when the 34 who participated, were lectured by UG staffers, too.
Samad said, on that occasion, discussions surrounded ethics and ethical behaviour and computer usage, as well.
However, he said this one is more comprehensive, with a longer training period and, next year’s would include courses in first aid and fundamentals of forensics and law.
The opening session of the workshop , which concludes today, was chaired by Police Woman Inspector Stephens.