DEPUTY Commissioner of Police (Administration), Ravindradat Budhram, on Thursday led a team of senior officers to the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, where they visited the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Marine Unit display at the ongoing World Maritime Day exhibition.

The annual event, being hosted under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity”, features several state agencies and private maritime organisations showcasing their contributions to safeguarding Guyana’s waterways.

Deputy Commissioner Budhram was accompanied by Finance Officer, Senior Superintendent Bharat Persaud, and Head of the Strategic Planning and Implementation Unit for Police Reform, Woman Senior Superintendent Nicola Kendall. The officers were guided through the Marine Unit’s booth by Officer-in-Charge, Assistant Superintendent Garfield Campbell, who highlighted the specialised equipment and techniques used by ranks in their daily operations.

The Marine Unit, recognised as one of the Force’s most vital enforcement arms, is tasked with policing Guyana’s extensive network of rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. Its responsibilities range from routine river and coastal patrols to tackling smuggling, piracy, and other illegal activities, while also serving as first responders during maritime emergencies and accidents.

Over the years, the Unit has evolved into a highly specialised department, equipped with advanced technology such as DGS Pro 26 MONSTER vessels powered by twin 300HP Mercury engines, as well as smaller patrol boats deployed across regions. Its ranks, who are trained coxswains, possess expertise in seamanship, navigation, law enforcement, and rescue operations.

Beyond policing, the Marine Unit plays a critical role in enforcing fisheries, customs, and environmental regulations. The Unit also provides tactical support during major national events, high-risk operations, and natural disasters.

A career in the GPF’s Marine Unit, the Force emphasised, is not just a job but a calling to safeguard the nation’s lifeline—its waterways. Aspiring officers can expect specialised training, opportunities for growth, and the chance to be part of elite operations that protect Guyana’s national security.