THE Guyana Police Force, drawing from the deep reservoir of religious inspiration, commenced the celebration of its 184th Anniversary with the traditional Drum Head Church Service held Saturday morning at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe, Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown.
This significant occasion was the first in a month-long series of planned events honouring the Police Force’s establishment on July 1, 1839.

The occasion was done in two phases: The Piling of the Drums and the Church Service.
Opening prayers were done by Woman Superintendent Leslyn Smith (Christian), Superintendent Bharat Persaud (Hindu), and Sergeant #21330 George (Muslim). This multi-religious service offers a meaningful opportunity for Guyanese from all religious persuasions to come together and unite in keeping with the Commander-in-Chief and Guyana’s Head of State’s much-lauded ‘One Guyana’ initiative.

Due to the tactical nature of the Drum Head Service, Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ (ag) Calvin Brutus, explained to the audience that the placing of the drums requires precision, poise, neatness, and coordination.
According to Brutus, the Piling of the Drums is an ancient military custom dedicated to receiving divine blessings and protection before going into combat.

He continued by saying that that practice developed because of circumstances on moving battlefields and the impossibility of entering places of worship.
The Piling of the Drums includes placing several musical drums in a vertical, pyramid-like position and laying the regimental banners on top.

“Historically, the regimental banners acted as a rallying point in the heat and smoke of battle so that soldiers could easily spot their units by their colours. On the other hand, the sound of drums, especially its beat, guides soldiers to march into battle and regulates the loading and re-loading of their weapons during battle as well. Also, drummers were used to raise morale during fighting. Hence, these key symbols required blessings. The religious ceremony is kept then the regimental banners and drums are removed. Because the Guyana Police Force is a paramilitary organisation, the drum head activity was retained,” Mr Brutus noted.

This display includes seven drums: five white-side drums, one tenor drum, and one base drum. Each rank is assigned to a particular drum, starting from the white-side drums, the bass drum, and the tenor drum. These ranks marched in quick time, holding the respective drums with the left hand close to their bodies and resting on their left side hip. The drum parade then piles the drums with precision and coordination. This drill demonstrates strength, unity, and coordination. It also created a spectacle.

During Saturday morning’s event, the drums were piled by Constable 25974 Ragnauth (side drum), Woman Lance Corporal 22199 Grimes (side drum), Constable 26143 Manoo (side drum), Constable 23148 Johnson (side drum), Constable 26100 Sardinha (base drum), Constable 23974 Downer (tenant drum), Constable 24926 Morris (side drum).

Being a paramilitary organisation, Mr Brutus explained that the GPF adopted this tradition among many others in existence. The regimental banners were substituted by the National Flag and the Police Flag, respectively.
The colour party consisted of Assistant Superintendent Singh (National colours) and Assistant Superintendent Cort (who bore the Police colours). Both Officers wore sashes that represented the Force.

Escort to the colour party was Sergeant # 21118 Gillis and 21115 Doliveria Inspector Morris. Woman Superintendent Halley-Smith arranged the colours (State colour and Police colour).
Force Chaplin, Reverend Patrick Doolichand, then delivered an engaging and thought-provoking sermon during the Church Service.

He encouraged the Leadership of the Force to work in partnership and continue building on the legacy and rich foundation of great men in the Force who came before them. He noted the GPF had come a long way and that serving the people was a sacred duty. Reverend Doolichand quoted great thinkers and philosophers such as Machiavelli and Aristotle as he gave real-world examples of why teamwork and partnership are necessary for success.

Pandit Seeram Madray, on the other hand, spoke heavily on the importance of staying close to God despite our current situation or status in life. “Even if you’re in a position of power, don’t forget the lord,” Madray urged. He also thanked the Top Cop, Mr Clifton Hicken, for transforming the Guyana Police Force into a friendly and approachable organisation.

Echoing the sentiments expressed by Pandit Madray was Iman Warren Barlow, who also alluded to the positive direction in which the GPF was heading, and the many evident changes. “I think the changes are visible across the country,” he asserted.
Later in his sermon, he reminded the gathering that Allah placed us on the earth for a purpose noting that the same should be done in compliance with the Lord’s word. He then charged the GPF to use the same approach when serving the general public while remembering to practise selflessness.

To entertain the large gathering, the GPF Military Band, MS, and the GPF Steel Pan performed musical renditions delivered at intervals of the Drum Head Service.
Amongst those renditions was the famous gospel song “My Tribute To God Be The Glory” while the Police Steel Band played “Krishna”.

In addition to that, the gathering was led by the Police Choir through a worship session that saw popular gospel songs like “Lift Jesus Higher”, “What Shall I Render to Jehovah”, “How Great Is Our God”, and “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow”.
Like any other church service, scripture readings were taken from Ecclesiastes Chapter 4, verses 9-12, and Colossians Chapter 4, Verses 6-10. This was done by Rebecca Abai, and Rachel Persaud, from the School of Nations and Kingston Secondary School, respectively.

Reverend Doolichand concluded the Church Service with a doxology and benediction. To bring the curtains down, the National Anthem was recited, and the drums were un-piled.
Among those in attendance were Prime Minister, Brigadier (R’td) Mark Phillips (currently performing the duties of President of Guyana; Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn; Acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken; Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Omar Khan; Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot; Chief Fire Officer, Gregory Wickham; Head of CANU, James Singh among other officials.