Assistant Commissioner Vyphuis retires

Apr 03, 2014 News

Assistant Commissioner and A-Division Commander, George Vyphuis, who has commenced his pre-retirement leave, took his final salute yesterday. He is set to demit office in July.

Assistant Commissioner, George Vyphuis during his presentation

The Commander served the Guyana Police Force for 35 years during which he made significant interventions and transformations to certain key departments of the force.
The farewell parade, which was held at the Tactical Services Unit, Eve Leary, attracted members of the business community. Also present were his wife, children and well wishers.
The Assistant Commissioner, after joining the force in 1979, received his first promotion in 1983 to Lance Corporal. He was promoted that same year to Corporal. He was then made sergeant in 1984 and Inspector in 1991. In 1995, he became Assistant Superintendent and skipped Deputy Superintendent and became Senior Superintendent in 2005. Vyphius made the rank of Assistant Commissioner in 2008.
During his speech, Vyphuis remarked on the numerous posts he held during his time in the force and stressed upon one of his dearest accomplishments- the improved Immigration office.
Due to his impressive work with the department, it was awarded its first shield of excellence in recognition of its work by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The Assistant Commissioner explained that while he held several accomplishments under his belt he never allowed that or even the privileges his position afforded him to hinder his interaction with citizens.
The “No Nonsense Commander” said, “I can’t believe that 35 influential years had passed so quickly. And just imagine I got into the force because of insecurity. I feared the police but a passion grew within me and I wanted to be a part of the force and be an exceptional officer at that.
“But no matter my promotion, I never allowed that to go to my head. I always ensured that during my career I had a strong connection with the public. Without the taxpayers we have no way out and in keeping with my responsibility to protect and serve, I established bridges to unite the citizens and the force.”

Assistant Commissioner, George Vyphuis takes a salute at a march past yesterday from officers of the Immigration Department

He also said that he recognized the need to be qualified as an officer to improve his abilities and to date he holds several diplomas, one of which is a diploma in Social Work from the University of Guyana.
Now that he is on his preretirement leave, Vyphuis told media operatives that he plans to spend most of his time being a devoted family man.
He also gave special thanks to his wife for always being supportive and an outstanding companion.
To his dedicated colleagues of the force, especially those who aspire to be a part of the A Division, the Commander said, “The ‘A’ Division is one that never sleeps and it isn’t easy. For those who are anxious you will see that every minute of everyday there is something you have to attend to. It is a complex division.”
He then urged his officers to continue their studies, achieve their goals and continue to serve the force with honesty and integrity.