-Minister Benn urges police hierarchy

WHILE emphasising the useful lessons that can be had from the sacrifices made by fallen police ranks, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, called on the senior ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to work collectively to effectively lead those under their charge.

He made these remarks at the Guyana Police Force’s annual wreath-laying ceremony for fallen police officers, held at the Police Officers’ Mess, Eve Leary,

During his speech, Minister Benn called on the force’s leadership to command respect, lead with integrity, continue to coach and take care of the junior ranks and to look after their welfare.

“The efforts of policing, while it is collective in nature, of course, given the fact that it is a discipline service, requires significant leadership and continuous leadership interventions and that leadership has to be done throughout the ranks to get the recompense in terms of service [and] the quantity and quality of that service in respect of policing,” he said.

He stated that with regard to their response to the tremendous and difficult circumstances which people in the joint services, especially the Guyana Police Force face today, steadfastness, resoluteness, preparedness, and leadership are important.

To further preserve the memory of police officers who would have passed on while serving their country, Minister Benn mentioned that he would like to see memorials placed in Regional Police Divisions across Guyana to honour them.

Moreover, the minister pointed out that development will not take place when there is violence and threats, and people who may want to ‘reduce’ the state.

“It is the important work of the Guyana Police Force to stand as protectors of the people and of the country along with the other joint services,” he said.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken stated that policing embodies a noble calling characterised by courage, selflessness and resilience.

“Whether stationed in our local neighbourhoods or deployed on diverse assignments, our officers courageously face danger to uphold justice with steadfast dedication. Despite encountering challenges in working with resource constraints, they persistently endeavour to protect our communities and uphold the principles of law and order,” Commissioner Hicken noted.

He highlighted that, in Guyana, there are unique challenges which include resources often being stretched thin.

He said that even though these difficulties exist, the dedication of officers has never faltered.

“In times of tragedy, the Guyana Police Force will always stand united, offering unwavering support to our fallen heroes and grieving families. The Guyana Police Force even with limited resources strives to provide meaningful support to the families of our fallen heroes through our Fallen Heroes Foundation.

“The foundation has assisted the families and members of the force who have lost their lives in the line of duty. In our commitment to honour their sacrifices, we have provided counselling sessions to families grappling with the unimaginable pain of loss of a loved one in the line of duty,” he noted.

He mentioned that the GPF plans to walk with families every step of the way as they journey through emotional healing.

In addition to counselling, the GPF also offers financial assistance to families and support the education of children of the men and women who have passed on. The force also sponsors the wakes and funerals of the deceased.

According to Commissioner Hicken, while these efforts cannot fully compensate for the efforts of the fallen, they will remain steadfast in their commitment to supporting the families.

Some of the names of the fallen heroes of the GPF include Constable 5527 Claude Allen who was shot aback of Reliance Canje Berbice in 1952 while escorting a payroll; Corporal 4683 Edgar Ben and Constable 4733 Henry Chester who were both shot by notorious criminal, Clement Cuffy at Naamryck, East Bank Essequibo in 1959; Sergeant 5065 Clarence Bacchus who was shot while investigating a report of burglary in Albouystown, Georgetown in 1961; Superintendent Dereck McLeod, who was shot in 1962 by an unidentified sniper in Robb Street, Georgetown during Black Friday riots.

Among others who were honoured was Woman Constable 25925 Annette Abel who was performing duties in 2023 on the Beterverwagting Public Road, when she was struck down by a drunk driver who lost control of his vehicle and crashed into her and another rank. Abel was killed.