Annihilation of the Guyana Police Force

Mar 05, 2025 Letters

Dear Editor,

For the past ten years, I have witnessed the declining morale within the Guyana Police Force—marked by a lack of public trust, community reluctance to cooperate, an influx of resignations, and an ongoing shortage of ranks. Any right-thinking person would conclude that something is fundamentally wrong.

There are many unanswered questions, but will there ever be answers? I believe there are officers with the fortitude and ability to speak up, yet the fear of victimization forces them into silence, hoping for change that never comes.

After years of withholding promotions, the Force finally released a list—one that appears to be a blessing for friends and favourites but a nightmare for others. What baffles me most is the blatant disrespect, repugnance, and unfair treatment shown toward qualified ranks.

For the Force’s 2024 anniversary, a Night of Honour was held to recognize officers with academic qualifications such as degrees and master’s degrees. It was a well-deserved event. However, many senior and junior officers were not deemed eligible for awards. More troubling is that over 80% of academically accomplished people were overlooked in the latest promotion cycle.

Can the Commissioner and the Police Service Commission be real? On one hand, the Government of Guyana is investing heavily in education and professional development, striving to elevate service delivery to international standards. However, the Force treats qualified officers like outcasts unless they are part of a select circle. Such practices will continue to erode this organization and, ultimately, the country at large.

In any reputable organization, qualifications and competence are rewarded through promotions or, at the very least, opportunities for advancement based on vacancies. Yet, within the Guyana Police Force, an educated officer seems to be a threat rather than an asset.

Mr. Commissioner, you should be ashamed for stifling and brain-draining this noble institution. A well-educated force, when properly utilized, can drive real and lasting change. You hold the power to shape the future of this organization—do so with integrity, fairness, and vision.

When your tenure ends, ensure you leave behind a Force with strong morale and a clear succession plan. Do it for the people of Guyana!

Concerned Ranks

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