THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the University of Guyana (UG), on Thursday, signed a historic Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to develop new programmes and refine existing programmes that specifically cater for members of the GPF.

During a simple ceremony at UG’s Turkeyen campus, a press statement from the GPF informed the public that the document was signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (ag) with responsibility for Administration, Calvin Brutus, and UG’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr Paloma Mohamed.

The document represents a consensus between the two major agencies after much deliberation. The release noted that “The MoA underscores the Guyana Police Force’s continuous and unwavering support and show of commitment to the development of its ranks through education and training.”

The MoA will last for five years, with the option of renewal.

According to Brutus, in his remarks, the agreement caters to “the need for us to develop modules for our policemen and women, to ensure that we deliver on our mandate, in keeping with contemporary best practices for the police in our country.”

Part of the MoA has to do with accreditation of the Police Training College. The release quoted Deputy Commissioner Brutus as saying –

“Our college is just by name but the substance and the standard are not there. Our intention, under this agreement, is to ensure that we will be able to achieve this mandate which is to have our college accredited in the shortest possible time, as well as train our instructors to deliver the professional part of the programme,” he stated.

Professor Paloma Mohamed, in her remarks, expressed satisfaction in the historic partnership, noting that the strategic context will allow for more transparency and a more service-oriented Police Force with diversified service across the country.

“The Police Force is really taking on a very cutting edge, very focused, [and] a very dynamic path despite all the challenges they have been having, and we’re very happy to be working with the Police Force,” Dr Mohamed said.

Also in attendance at the signing ceremony were W/Assistant Superintendent Nicola Kendell, Officer-in-Charge of the Strategic Planning Unit; Assistant Superintendent Bharat Persaud, Deputy Finance Officer; Police Legal Advisor, Mandel Moore; and Head of the Police Corporate Communications Unit, Mark Ramotar.