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Absent from the official opening of the final day of sports, the minister’s message was read by Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell.
The message stated that while the GPF’s primary role is to detect and prevent crime and preserve the peace in our society, members of the force should also make meaningful contributions to the country with the continued development of sports in the force. Already, the GPF has among its ranks the number eight body builder in the world.
Physically fit policemen and women are ideal individuals required to be members of the Guyana Police Force. As such, the GPF should focus on enhancement of athletic sports.
Pointing out that sports would greatly benefit the GPF and its serving members, the minister’s message urged all members at the various levels of the GPF to get involved in some form of sport in their leisure time.
He added that the GPF’s annual athletics are being staged at a time when the professional integrity of some of the world’s athletes is being brought into question, and he pointed out that it is not unusual in this era for athletes and their coaches to be involved in doping scandals.
Minister Rohee’s message also mentioned that this situation would obtain because athletes seeking to earn more money would find all sorts of illegal means to gain advantage over their rivals at sporting events.
It was against that backdrop that he was advising the GPF ranks, as law enforcement officers, not to be engaged in dishonest activities to win sporting events. “The principle of fair play must always be uppermost in your minds when participating in any sport,” the minister’s message admonished.
Sports Minister Dr. Frank Anthony also sent a message to the athletes of the Guyana Police Force, in which he congratulated the GPF for its input in the sporting fraternity of the nation, despite its primary objective.
His message highlighted the resources, techniques and training of the Guyana Police Force which have produced champion athletes in track and field events, boxing, cricket, football and rifle shooting among other disciplines.
Minister Anthony’s message also stated that policemen and women should be practitioners of healthy lifestyles, as they are role models of physical standards, and should shun any habit which could wreck good health.
Dr Anthony posited that fit policemen and women are also a welcome sight on our streets and in our communities. Dr Anthony’s message was not read to the police athletes.
Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell said the Guyana Police Force was pleased to know that, despite the challenges it faces at present, it was still able to produce athletes and sportsmen and women who have done the force — and by extension the nation — proud.
Yesterday saw an extravagant march past of athletes representing the various divisions and branches of the Guyana Police Force. They gave the eyes-right salute to the commissioner and members of the upper echelons of the GPF command structure. Ms Angela Johnson, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, also attended the sports meet.
Winners of the march past aspect of the athletics meet were adjudged as follows: the Tactical Services Unit first; the Felix Austin Training Police College second, and the Immigration Department third.
The torch was relayed and lit at this athletics meet.
