THE Guyana Police Force (GPF), in collaboration with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, on Monday launched a Crisis Management Training Programme at the Officers’ Training Centre, Camp Road, Georgetown, with 58 ranks from the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) participating.

The training comes just weeks before Guyana’s General and Regional Elections on September 1, 2025, a period when law enforcement plays a critical role in ensuring peace, order, and public trust.

Delivering opening remarks, Woman Senior Superintendent Dr. Nicola Kendall described the initiative as “yet another significant step in our ongoing efforts to strengthen the professionalism, readiness, and resilience of our ranks in the face of complex challenges”.

She stressed that crises, whether natural disasters, civil disturbances, or emerging security threats, require not just courage but specialized knowledge, planning, and coordination.
Dr. Kendall said the programme will equip officers with the tools to respond decisively, and restore order with integrity and accountability.

She also noted that the partnership with the US Embassy reflects the importance of international cooperation in building safer, more resilient societies.
US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole D. Theriot also underscored the timeliness of the training, particularly in the lead-up to the elections. She emphasised the need for effective crisis response, timely communication, and professionalism to safeguard citizens’ rights to vote, assemble, and express themselves peacefully. The Ambassador reaffirmed the US Government’s support for Guyana’s security and sovereignty, adding that the initiative will help ensure free, fair, and credible elections.

Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken described the programme as “far more than a routine training exercise”, pointing out that it reflects the GPF’s strategic vision to build capacity through international collaboration, as outlined in its Strategic Plan 2022–2026. He said that while unrest during the elections is unlikely, the TSU will maintain the highest level of readiness.
“The eyes of the nation will be upon us during this election period and beyond,” Hicken told the officers, stressing that crisis management is about anticipating challenges, preventing escalation, and restoring order with fairness and sound judgment.

The programme involves officers working closely with experienced Miami-Dade law enforcement professionals, sharing best practices on high-risk operations, crowd management, VIP protection, counter-terrorism, and critical incident response.

The launch was attended by representatives of the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office—Sergeant Oscar Pla, Sergeant Lazaro Rodriguez, and Deputy Ramon Rodriguez—as well as officials from the U.S. Embassy, including Regional Security Officer Tim Semons and Political & Economic Chief Russell Zalizniak.