THE Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc) has expressed confidence in the recent appointment of Clifton Hicken as acting Commissioner of Police while hailing the work done by his predecessor, Nigel Hoppie.

Hicken’s appointment was made by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali after Commissioner of Police (ag), Nigel Hoppie, proceeded on pre-retirement leave on March 29, 2022.

According to Head of R3PSInc, Halim Khan, the organisation looks forward to formalising the engagement with Hicken as he is known to be a dynamic, professional and community-oriented officer of the Guyana Police Force.

Former Top Cop, Nigel Hoppie, Khan said, was an asset to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and has left the Force in a better place and position than when he took it over in 2020.

Khan said there will be a broad range of issues to discuss with Commissioner Hicken in institutional relationship strengthening between the GPF and the R3PSInc in addressing matters of public security.

Recognising the expanding role that security plays in supporting public safety, Khan noted that “we hope to promote better partnerships with the police because there are other challenges to law enforcement, such as funding and staffing, that can also be met through collaboration with private security firms and businesses that seek to develop Guyana.”

He continued: “Successful partnerships include strong, active leaders and facilitators, as well as ongoing communication, regular meetings and training.”

Some of these issues, Khan noted can be looked at under the purview of the new acting Commissioner of Police since he was also Commander of Region Three.