THE Guyana Police Force wishes to respond to an article published in the Kaieteur News on Monday December 13, 2010, under the caption “A bad precedence has been set by the Divisional Commander” and which dealt with the recent annual awards ceremony and luncheon held by police ranks in ‘A’ Division. From the outset the Force wishes to state that the ‘A’ Division annual awards ceremony and luncheon has been in existence for over 12 years now, at which monetary awards are presented by the Commissioner of Police and awards (hampers) to deserving ranks by the Divisional Commander supported by certain organisations and individuals who donate monetary and other incentives.

The regular awards are from Laparkan, Roraima Airways and National Hardware while the hampers and cash are donated by members of the corporate community.

The allegation by the writer of the Divisional Commander trying to outdo the Commissioner who on October 22, 2010, had awarded various sums of money to the teams competing in the finals of the Force Drill Competition, including the ‘A’ Division male and female teams which were awarded $100,000 and $75,000, respectively, appears to have been due to a misunderstanding.

The Divisional Commander in an atmosphere of friendliness and humour did mention that he was going to match the monies awarded to the ‘A’ Division drill teams at the Drill Competition by the Commissioner. In hindsight it seems that his words may have conveyed a wrong impression but there was no intention to outdo or embarrass the Commissioner of Police.

The writer also mentioned the nudity of the female models. However it should be noted that the Divisional Commander added some spice to the occasion with a cultural programme which included two skits on domestic violence and a fashion display by models of Sonia Noel’s outfits.

The issue of nudity never arose because all the models were properly clad which can be confirmed by Ms. Sonia Noel who was present at the function.

The Guyana Police Force wishes to say that the writer of the article is wicked and malicious by attempting to belittle the initiative and drive of the Divisional Commander and to cause division among senior officers of the Force.