THE drama of moving colours, captivating timbre of musical instruments and clip-clop rhythm of horse shoes unfolded on the streets of Central Georgetown last Saturday as the Guyana Police Force held a route march to mark its 175th anniversary.

The parade was under the command of Assistant Commissioner and ‘B’ Division commander Brian Joseph, who led close to one thousand police and police affiliates began marching through the streets at 06.30hrs promptly

from the force’s Drill Square at police headquarters, Eve Leary, in Georgetown.
Those participating in the march were ranks from all sections of the force affiliates such as the Scouts Association, Police Day Care Workers, Community Policing Groups, and Rural Constables, among others.
The march, unfortunately, did not draw as many spectators as in previous years but that did not prevent the parading ranks from performing their best march through the city streets for the few onlookers. And the parade got its largest viewing in the Stabroek Market area and Brickdam.
On Brickdam Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee and Permanent Secretary Angela Johnson joined by Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud took the salute of the parading ranks, horses and dogs.

The procession then made its way back to Force Headquarters where before gathering on the Drill Square, according to customs and courtesies, the parade gave the eyes right salute to the Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud and other Assistant Commissioners of Police and Divisional Commanders.
Several of the persons taking part in the parade were doing so for the first time. Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, Permanent Secretary Angela Johnson and Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud received the salute in front of the Home Affairs Ministry on Brickdam.
Following the parade, participants were rewarded for their performance through the streets, and were judged by a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police and a retired Senior Superintendent.
While there were several areas of judging for the performances, the top three judging points were for the best male contingent, best female contingent and the overall best performer for the entire march.
Like last year, the Tactical Services Unit won the overall prize of cash and a trophy for their performance, while TSU Group 1 won the best male contingent, leaving the best performing male contingent to the Immigration Department.

(By Leroy Smith)