IN an effort to strengthen law enforcement collaborations, the United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, met with Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken at the Police Headquarters in Georgetown, on Thursday.

Joined by the Regional Security Officer (RSO) Mayah Shih, the meeting exemplified a shared commitment to enhance the partnership between the United States Embassy and the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
According to a press release, central to the discussions was the paramount objective of strengthening ties between the two entities to advance law enforcement capabilities in Guyana.

The meeting, held at Commissioner Hicken’s office, delved into the strategic framework for developing the GPF, with a particular focus on training initiatives aimed at enhancing professionalism and operational efficiency.

Emphasis was placed on maintaining the highest standards of professionalism within the GPF, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to upholding integrity and ethical conduct in law enforcement practices.
The need to cultivate a culture of excellence and accountability was underscored as paramount to the effective functioning of the GPF.

Members of Commissioner Hicken’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT) were also present at the meeting.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali recently highlighted Guyana’s integration into the Regional Security System (RSS) and its burgeoning collaborations with extra-regional partners, including the US, India, and the United Kingdom (UK).

During the recent Annual Police Officers’ Conference, President Ali said it is imperative to strengthen regional partnerships and integrate current operations with regional policing as part of strategic planning and enhancement efforts within the GPF.
Notably, President Ali had announced that significant progress was made towards the establishment of an internationally accredited police academy in Guyana, poised to serve all regions of the country.

He explained the importance of building infrastructure and systems that are aligned with international standards, underscoring Guyana’s commitment to sharing prosperity within the region.
President Ali had also stressed the critical need for a highly professional police force, emphasising the inherent responsibility of safeguarding democracy and the rule of law.