TORONTO, Canada – A former senior reporter of the Guyana Chronicle, who also served with distinction during a short stint in the Guyana Police Force, is the new president of the Guyana Ex-Police Association of Canada (GEPAC). At its recent bi-annual general meeting, the effervescent Lance Alexander, a long-serving member of GEPAC’s fund-raising committee and one-time chair of the disciplinary committee, gained  the approval of members, replacing Roger Mattar, whose mandatory two-year term ended in December 2010.
There’s also a new vice-president in John Johnson, who’s never served in the Force but benefitted from the association’s flexible constitution, which caters for children of former policemen.
Alexander, who describes himself as “a proud second-generation member of the Guyana Police Force,” was at one time the official motorcycle escort for the late President Arthur Chung before he was transferred to Special Branch Headquarters as a detective. He later became a journalist with the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL), achieving Senior Reporter status within four years.
Later seconded to the then Government Information Services (GIS), Alexander reported directly to the late Information Minister, Ms. Shirley Field-Ridley.
Prior to migrating to Canada, the newly-elected president was also attached to the United States Embassy as Public Relations/Information Officer, and hosted a weekly show on Radio Demerara.
In Ontario, Alexander worked as a production supervisor at General Motors; as a production supervisor; labour relations manager, and manager for training (Communications and Public Relations) at Chrysler, Canada. At both places, his role entailed working closely with corporate and all branches of the news media.
A community-oriented individual, even before departing Guyana, Alexander was vice-president for International Affairs with the Kiwanis Club of Georgetown from 1975-81. He continued in the same vein in Canada, with a long list of community involvements. These included being mentor for the Junior Achievement Programme in the Region of Peel, from 1988-2007; chair and co-chair of United Way of Peel Region’s programme at Chrysler from 1989 – 2008; executive member of the Brampton Chrysler Social Club (1987-2008); active member of the St. Stanislaus Alumni Association since 1990; key manager of the annual ‘Last Lap Lime’; active member of The Caribbean Children Foundation (TCCF) since its establishment in 1990, and chair of its Brampton chapter from 1992.
Alexander has received numerous citations, certificates, letters of commendation and awards, plaques and tokens from Chrysler and various civic/community organizations.
A former sixth form student of Guyana’s St Stanislaus College, Alexander is also a graduate of the University of Guyana and York University, Toronto. He began studies for an MBA at the University of New York in Buffalo, but has since transferred to Wilfred Laurier University, Ontario.
Alexander said of his tenure in his manifesto: “…the election of GEPAC’s president is not about personalities, gender or likeability. It is about who is best qualified to lead this organization over the next two years. I have the strong enabling character, vision, leadership skills and qualities to bring people together, and the ability to coach and influence others. I am a leader.
“I believe deeply that we can solve the challenges of our times by solving them together. We must perfect our organization by understanding that we have different stories, but with common dreams.  We may not come from the same village or town, but we all want to move in the same direction – to secure a better future for GEPAC.”
Alexander also reminded members: “…our organization may never be perfect, but often-times members continue to show that GEPAC’s legacy can always be improved. And whenever I find myself feeling doubtful or cynical about this possibility, it is you – Sisters and Brothers – who give me the most hope. Your deep convictions, belief and openness will make us soar. 
“Your aspiration is my motivation! Your motivation is my belief! Your belief is my inspiration!  Your inspiration is my target! Your target is my hard-core passion for GEPAC to morph into a more caring, vibrant organization second to none! And collectively, it’s our fundamental wish that the wings of destiny carry us aloft to dance with the stars and the vision of GEPAC’s Founding Fathers!”
Alexander posited that during this decade, GEPAC has accomplished wonderful things to ensure an enviable place in the community, but also opined that much more is yet to be done. “GEPAC must play an outstanding role, and become the benchmark of leadership in the community. Yes, we can do it, because GEPAC is a pre-eminent repository of knowledgeable and skilled individuals.
“Enshrined in Article 11 (Purpose & Objectives) sub-section 2.1 and 2.2 of our constitution is this fundamental belief: I am my brothers’ and sisters’ keeper. That makes GEPAC dynamic. It allows us to pursue our individual dreams, and yet come together as one family from a common law enforcement organization. I strongly believe that we must consistently embrace those principles with solid actions. I believe in an organization in which we have a sense of neighbourliness, a sense of community, a sense of sisterhood and brotherhood, willing to look out for one another and help those who are most vulnerable.” 
Alexander alluded to the fact that “there is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead for the introduction of a new order,” and said that this will be the yardstick of the task of his presidency. “We have a great legacy, and I want to thank all former GEPAC presidents and their executives for excellent contributions throughout the life of our organization. I will build on this legacy; let’s move towards ‘Positioning a Perfect GEPAC’, because the clear horizon beckons.”  
New vice-president Johnson brings to GEPAC a vast array of skills, and many years of experience drawn from various sectors — consultancy, management training, insurance, real estate, and non-profit community organizations, among others. 
An innovator and forward thinker, community-oriented, and a founder member of the G.T. Veterans Soccer & Social Club, from which most Guyanese organizations were born. Johnson served that organization in various capacities, including president and vice-president.
With Johnson’s skills and passion for getting the job done, he is poised, as part of the team, to help take GEPAC forward in a strong and positive direction. Bearing in mind that the welfare of GEPAC’s members is ‘Priority One’, in keeping with the objectives of the organization, Johnson is committed to working towards the success and survival of the organization, which, in his view, can only be achieved by the introduction of innovative ideas to ensure the great name and deeds of GEPAC live on.
As a community person, he intends to foster and maintain great working relationships with all community stakeholders and participants.
Johnson is ready to be part of a team that will be ringing in a new phase on the successful path that GEPAC has already forged.
As the son of a former policeman, Johnson disclosed that he understands the discipline, pride and commitment of GEPAC.
Meanwhile, Gordon Collins, a former president and founding member, retains the all-important position of secretary, while John O’Dell, who previously served as president, returns as assistant secretary.  Long-serving treasurer, Cleveland Chester continues in that role, with Roy Soobrian as assistant treasurer. Former secretary, Frederick Halley, who was co-opted as Public Relations Officer (PRO) last year, maintains that post. The three trustees are Bertrand Leacock, Louis Jarvis, and Dessie Fanfair.  Fitzherbert Mars will continue to serve as Sergeant-at-Arms.