–and safeguarding public safety, ‘Top Cop’ Hicken says

COMMISSIONER of Police (ag), Mr. Clifton Hicken firmly believes that a highly educated Police Force is indispensable in cultivating trust, safeguarding public safety, and serving our communities with unparalleled excellence.

Commissioner Hicken acknowledged this during his remarks at last evening’s gala ‘𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 & 𝑾𝒉𝒊𝒕𝒆’ 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝑩𝒐𝒘 𝑻𝒊𝒆 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝑪𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒚 at the Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary, which was part of the activities to celebrate the Guyana Police Force’s 185th anniversary.

“Congratulations to our awardees. We are immensely proud of your accomplishments, and excited to witness the positive impact you will undoubtedly make on policing,” Commissioner Hicken told the immaculately decked-out gathering, comprising all Officers and Ranks of the Guyana Police Force who graduated with a degree or higher from a recognised university or learning institution.

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, National Security Adviser Captain Gerry Gouveia, senior officials from Guyana’s security apparatus, and GPF’s stakeholders, especially the University of Guyana and other academic institutions, were in attendance.

“We stand here today not just to celebrate academic achievement but to honour the unwavering dedication of the Police Officers before us,” Commissioner Hicken stated.
He alluded to a quote from Nelson Mandela, who once said: “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”

“Earning a degree, be it a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, is a challenge for anyone. However, to do so while shouldering the immense responsibility of law enforcement is truly a remarkable achievement. These Police Officers have showcased their unwavering dedication, sacrifice, and relentless pursuit of knowledge amidst the demanding responsibilities of safeguarding our communities,” Commissioner Hicken posited.

He noted that each officer and rank recognised at the ceremony has demonstrated exceptional resilience and a thirst for knowledge that goes above and beyond their call of duty.
According to Mr. Hicken, this commitment to knowledge not only enhances their professional capabilities but also broadens their horizons in several crucial aspects. It equips them with the critical thinking skills needed to meticulously analyse and effectively resolve complex situations that may arise in the course of their duties, as well as foster a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and cultures, thereby nurturing their cultural sensitivity, enabling them to forge stronger connections and trust within the communities they serve. Moreover, Mr. Hicken stated that their academic pursuits provide an intellectual foundation that strengthens their leadership abilities.

Armed with a wealth of knowledge and informed decision-making skills, these officers and ranks are better prepared to lead with wisdom and integrity, guiding their teams through challenges with clarity and foresight.

“To our awardees, your dedication is an inspiration to your fellow officers, and a testament to the calibre of individuals within our Force. You embody the future of law enforcement; one defined by professionalism, continuous learning, and an unyielding commitment to justice. Let this ceremony serve as a powerful message: ‘We are committed to supporting the growth of our officers, coherent with our Strategic Plan under the pillar of Developing our People’.

As William Butler Yeats famously said, ‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.’
During last evening’s ‘𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 & 𝑾𝒉𝒊𝒕𝒆’ 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝑩𝒐𝒘 𝑻𝒊𝒆 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝑪𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒚, 136 Officers and Ranks, from Constable to Top Cop, and vice- versa, were awarded for their academic achievement.

Those recognised and awarded would have obtained a degree, master’s or doctorate from a recognised and accredited university/learning institution. There were also several special awards given out at the ceremony, including to President Irfaan Ali.

The Master of Ceremony was Traffic Officer, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh.