over 60 ranks graduate from Junior Officers’ and Immigration Courses

“TRUE leadership is not about authority, but about service, empathy, and courage.” That was the powerful message delivered by Deputy Commissioner Ravindradat Budhram as he addressed graduates of the Junior Officers’ Course (JOC) and Immigration Course #1/2025 during a formal ceremony hosted on Friday by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Academy at the Police Officers’ Training Centre, Eve Leary.

Congratulating the newly minted officers, Deputy Commissioner Budhram reminded them that leadership also means “making tough decisions under pressure, upholding justice even when it’s unpopular, and always putting the safety and well-being of your community first.”

He urged the graduates to lead by example, treat others with respect, and remain unwavering in their values.

To the immigration course graduates in particular, Budhram underscored the gravity of their roles in national security.

“You are the first point of contact for those entering our country,” he said, encouraging vigilance, professionalism, and compassion in every interaction. “Your duty is to protect our borders while upholding the dignity of all persons.”

The Junior Officers’ Course, which began on April 7, 2025, saw 30 participants drawn from the Guyana Police Force, Defence Force, Fire Service, Prison Service, City Constabulary, and Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit.

It targeted recently promoted officers, middle managers, and others in leadership roles. A total of 34 participants graduated from the Immigration Course.

Both cohorts underwent a rigorous academic and practical training programme covering key areas such as strategic planning, crisis and risk management, leadership and ethics, public speaking, cultural diversity, juvenile justice, operational readiness, and decision-making simulations. Tactical training included musketry, equitation, and drills. Instruction was delivered by highly qualified professionals from reputable institutions.

The top performers were recognised during the ceremony for the Junior Officers’ Course are as follow: Best Academic Paper: Assistant Superintendent Seon Leitch – Regional Division #9; 2nd Runner-up: Cadet Officer Elroy Khan – Tactical Services Unit; 1st Runner-up: Assistant Superintendent Kwesi Lawrence – SWAT; Valedictorian: Assistant Superintendent Seon Leitch – Regional Division #9.

For the Immigration Course: 2nd Runner-up: Woman Constable 27166 Bonita Crawford; 1st Runner-up: Apprentice Allanna Heralall; and Valedictorian: Woman Constable 27156 Renetta Moses

Woman Superintendent Halley-Smith, who coordinated the JOC with support from Woman Deputy Superintendent Moore-Bowen, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to remain dedicated throughout their policing careers.

The ceremony was attended by a number of senior officials, including Director of the Police Academy Senior Superintendent Sonia Herbert, Senior Superintendent Stephen Telford, Second in Command of Administration, Mrs. Jewel Sullivan, and other junior officers, ranks, and special guests.

The event marked not just the completion of a course, but the beginning of a new chapter in the careers of the officers—one that demands professionalism, integrity, and service to the nation.