CLOSE to six hundred women drawn from every section of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) gathered on Sunday at the Police Officers Mess Hall for the Second Anniversary Church Service of the Guyana Association of Women Police (GAWP).

GAWP was formed two years ago, and functions under the theme “Empowering women during and beyond the 21st Century”.

The women were joined in the celebration by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ms Angela Johnson; retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ms Carol Primo; Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ms Clair Jarvis; Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, and all divisional commanders.

The gathering was led through worship and praise by groups and individuals from various sections of the Guyana Police Force in the “all women” ceremony. There were scripture readings, the prayer of the association, songs, dance, hymn singing, and the scripture reading, all of which were led and coordinated by females of the Guyana Police Force of various ranks.

The message was delivered by Corporal Calder, who kept the gathering cheering and acknowledging the Name of the Lord as she touched on points which seemed to relate to women within the Force.

Her message touched on overcoming trials and tribulations; humbling themselves and waiting on the Lord; understanding that the God of Daniel is the same God of today, who is also the God of the women of the Force. The woman of God also spoke on the issue of faith and believing, even as she encouraged her colleagues to go after the calling of the Almighty. She said that when God gives them a vision for a mission, they need to run with the vision.

“People of God, Joseph received his vision in Canaan, but it came to pass in Egypt; or, he ran with the vision in Egypt. Having a vision at headquarters does not necessarily mean that you will run with the vision at headquarters, and it’s amazing the people God uses to take care of your vision: God uses haters!” the preacher said.

The woman of God also questioned the women of the Force on the manner in which they treat the prisoners entrusted in their care. She pointed to the prisoner whom God used to assist Joseph to fulfil his calling while in Egypt.

Following the ceremony, the women greeted each other and were all invited into the Mess Hall, where they had breakfast with Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud and other senior ranks of the Force besides some special invitees.