THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Friday culminated its 58th Annual Athletics Championships by hosting several track and field events. In his message to mark the occasion, read in his absence by Acting Police Commissioner, Leroy Brumell, recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM), Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee called on ranks to use this event as part of a wider thrust for the GPF.
Rohee said the athletic sports, being held under the theme “Building relationships and healthy lifestyle through sport”, must not be classified as a series of events that provide only fun and frolic to members of the Force, but must be seen as part of its wider thrust.
Minister Rohee also addressed the significant changes occurring in the GPF, both in terms of senior personnel and structure of the Guyana Police Force.
He urged that this must not affect the traditional inputs of the Force in the field of athletics in Guyana.
He urged that more emphasis be placed on the development of athletes in the Force in light of a member of the Force participating in the Olympic Games in England, which Mr. Brumell endorsed.
“…and we know that this athlete is none other than 2726 Lance Corporal George…. I think we should give him a loud round of applause!” Brumell pointed out.
Calls were also made for mini events to be staged throughout the year to keep the interest of sport alive.
This event saw the lighting of the torch, march past and several track and field events being run off with involvement of police officers from several Caribbean countries.
This comes as the GPF celebrates its 173rd anniversary.
Patron of the event was Guyana’s Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony.