POLICE Superintendent Brian Eastman has always pursued excellence in every field of endeavour. Small wonder then that last Saturday, he graduated from the University of Guyana (UG)’s degree programme in Public Management with distinction, and was awarded the Prime Minister’s Medal for his outstanding performance.The journey, Eastman told this publication, was not without challenges. He explained that his demanding job as Superintendent of Police within the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) did not afford him too much time to focus on his studies. But those limitations did not prevent him from persevering.
“I travelled abroad on courses several times, but I was supported by my peers. I tapped into the lecture notes,” he confided.
On many occasions, he said, he returned from his overseas training programmes just in time to write the mid-semester exams.

THE CHALLENGES
“It was challenging,” he said, not only because of his job, but also because he missed many classes. “As a senior officer, there is an extra burden to balance work and school; but with the support of my peers, I was able to catch up. Without my peers, I won’t have been able to grasp a lot, due to my absence.”

The 32-year-old former President’s College student told the Guyana Chronicle that he missed more than four mid-semester examinations, but his lecturers accommodated him many times. “The accommodation did not give me any slack; I did several supplemental exams,” he said.

The history of the Guyana Police Force speaks to “persistence and dedication,” and those became his motivation for success. Always a high flyer, Eastman was not surprised to be awarded the Prime Minister’s Medal for outstanding performance. Last Thursday, he was informed at the Chancellor’s reception that he would be the recipient of that award.

“I was elated and humbled,” he said with a slight chuckle. “I’ve been known to be on top of the class, not boasting; but I wasn’t surprised. I don’t think my classmates were surprised either. I am making my force proud,” he told the Guyana Chronicle.
FUTURE PLANS

The Norton Street, Wortmanville resident shared his plans for the future with this publication. He said furthering his studies and being able to use his theoretical knowledge to enhance the practical aspect of his job is uppermost on his mind.
If all goes according to plan, Eastman intends to begin reading for his Masters in Business Administration in the coming year. “Once all approval is given by the force, I hope to start my MBA in the new year,” he disclosed. Asked why he has decided upon that area of study, he said: “It is the most applicable to me and my present thrust, but I believe that I have learnt public management at a certain level. I think it is necessary also to learn business management, because a lot of business principles can be brought over to public management.”

There’s also a lot of benefits to be derived in this area of study, he said. “Considering the fact that there are not many other programmes to choose from. I think that is the best programme for me; for the sake of learning the principles of business management.”

Another factor, he said, is self-marketability. “You learn both sides of the spectrum,” he said.

Pursuing his MBA in Guyana does not mean he has no intention of studying abroad. He noted that, given his present “circumstance,” it is “the best option open to me.”

“It avoids me being idle, but notwithstanding that, I do have aspirations to go farther afield. I might even want to pursue studies in the UK through scholarships or through my own finances, but it is a work in progress. At present, this is the best option to me, where I can study and still contribute to the force at my level.”

Eastman noted that the Force has a “rich history” that “is continuously preserved by or through efficient officers and efficient management of the Police Force.” This is something he wishes to be part of.
FAMILY SUPPORT
The humble Eastman said that while his peers played an instrumental role in his academic success, he owes much appreciation to his family. He was raised by his father, Remington Eastman, and grandmother, Iris Eastman; and they both have been instrumental in his success.

“My family circle, both present here and overseas, has been continuously supporting me in my studies. At every juncture of my studies, I have informed them of what my progress is; what my pitfalls are. My father is a driving force. He also would have done a stint at UG; degree and post-grad. Many times he has proofread my papers; he has even guided me on topic selections.”

Superintendent Eastman noted that when he first began reading for his Diploma in Public Management at UG in 2011, his father had taken him through the paces of university life. “When I first started UG, he took me by my hand and carried me by the library for registration. It was my father’s attendance at UG and seeing his progress that motivated me.”

Speaking of his grandmother, Eastman said she is a tower of strength and faith. “My grandmother has a strong belief in the Lord. She has been praying for me all through.”

He described his family, including those abroad, as “continuous pillars of support.”
A MOTIVATOR

Eastman sees himself as a motivator to his subordinates. He explained that the most exciting part of his career is initiating a plan and watching it become successful. “The most glorious point of my career is the opportunity to lead men — mentorship. Informing them of how they can elevate themselves.”

He said approximately 60 percent of his subordinates have attempted to elevate themselves over the years.

With his latest achievement, Eastman believes that more of his juniors will be eager and more motivated to study. “My success at the University should impact the entire Force. My success should be seen as being a starting point or good motivator for others.”

He believes there is “nothing better than an education workforce; and more so, an educated Police Force.”

It is Eastman’s intention to remain in the Force for as long as he is able to serve. Should he leave, however, it is his intention to contribute to Guyana’s development. “I see myself contributing to the development of Guyana, regionally and internationally, and even at the United Nations, if possible,” he added.

“I am not here to make myself marketable and move on. I intend to contribute at the national level,” Eastman added.

By Ariana Gordon