AT just 26 years old, Police Cadet Officer Roger Junior Westmoreland has already etched his name into the history of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), not once, but twice.
Having earned the title of Best Graduating Student during both his Police Induction Course and the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School’s Standard Officer’s Course (SOC) #56, Westmoreland’s story is one of grit, discipline, and unwavering determination.

Born on August 20, 1999, at the West Demerara Regional Hospital, Westmoreland grew up in a humble but deeply principled Christian home.
As one of five siblings, his early years were shaped by the values of respect, discipline, and faith, first in Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara, and later in Tuschen New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo. “Doing what’s right wasn’t just taught, it was expected,” he recalled.
His educational journey began at Tuschen Nursery, continued at Zeelugt Primary, and culminated at Zeeburg Secondary, where he graduated in 2016. Like many young men inspired by service and national pride, Westmoreland dreamed of joining the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). But being underage at the time, he had to wait.
Instead of idling, he worked a range of jobs between 2016 and 2018, experiences that built his resilience and sense of purpose.
Fate stepped in when he joined Qualfon Guyana Inc., where an encounter with a Presidential Guard officer would change the course of his life.
“His professionalism inspired me,” Westmoreland said. “I knew then that law enforcement was my calling.”
On September 18, 2018, he began training at the Felix Austin Police College. His strong work ethic quickly stood out, and by the end of his training, he graduated as Best Student, a sign of the excellence that would continue to define his career.

Assigned to the Presidential Guard Unit at State House, Westmoreland served with distinction for five years.
“I was never late, never absent, and never had any disciplinary matter against me,” he said with quiet pride. “I loved what I was doing.” His impeccable record and dedication led to another opportunity, to pursue officer training through the Standard Officer’s Course #56 at the GDF.
The two-year training programme proved to be one of the most demanding yet transformative chapters of his life.
It included Jungle Warfare, Skill-at-Arms, Military Drills at Instructor Level, Range Management, and Amphibious Training, complete with boat-capsize and man-overboard drills. On top of that, he was required to complete an Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies at the University of Guyana, balancing academic rigor with military discipline.
But the path to success was not without pain. Midway through his training, Westmoreland developed shin splints that led to a fractured foot.
Yet, quitting was never an option. “There were many sleepless nights, and our discipline was tested in all forms,” he reflected. “But you can’t lose your composure. You have to operate as if nothing is bothering you.”
Even through injury, he pushed himself to excel in every physical and academic assessment. Earning the title of Best Student meant mastering endurance, leadership, and discipline — and excelling in the dreaded Jungle Phase, where candidates must swim a timed distance down the Essequibo River to earn the coveted Jungle Badge. Westmoreland did all that and more.
When asked what keeps him motivated, his answer was simple but powerful: “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.”
Beyond the accolades, Westmoreland remains grounded in humility and faith. He describes himself as a principled officer who believes deeply in justice, fairness, and discipline. His dreams are equally ambitious, to one day become a pilot, and ultimately, the Commissioner of Police.
To the youth of Guyana, his message is one of patience and perseverance: “Find purpose in your life. Set goals and work towards them — but don’t give yourself deadlines. There’s no law that says success must come by a certain age. Move at your own pace, and never give up.”
From a young boy in Tuschen with a dream, to a decorated cadet leading with distinction, Cadet Officer Roger Junior Westmoreland embodies the essence of perseverance and purpose. His journey reminds us that no dream is too far when fuelled by discipline, faith, and hard work.
Indeed, from the West Side to the Parade Square, his story shines as a beacon of honour, courage, and national pride.
The Commissioner of Police, along with the Executive Leadership Team and ranks of the Guyana Police Force, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Cadet Officer Westmoreland on his remarkable achievement — a symbol of excellence for the Force and inspiration for generations to come.