64 Officers Graduate from Junior Officers’ and Immigration Courses
June 20 2025
The Guyana Police Force Academy held its graduation ceremony on Friday, June 20, 2025, for the Junior Officers’ Course (JOC) and Immigration Course #1/2025 at the Police Officers’ Training Centre in Eve Leary, Georgetown.
The Junior Officers’ Course began on April 7, 2025, with 30 participants drawn from the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Fire Service, Guyana Prison Service, City Constabulary, and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit. The course catered to newly promoted officers, middle managers, and those in leadership roles across the services. Thirty-four participants also successfully completed the Immigration Course.
Both courses delivered a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum encompassing strategic planning, operational order preparation, crisis and risk management, leadership development, professional ethics, public speaking, report writing, applied research policing, tactical training (including musketry, drills, and equitation), juvenile justice, cultural diversity, public order management, and decision-making through tabletop simulations. Instruction was led by highly qualified professionals from respected institutions.
Delivering the feature address, Deputy Commissioner Ravindradat Budhram congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments. He reminded the junior officers that “true leadership is not about authority, but about service, empathy, and courage.” He emphasized that leadership also involves “making tough decisions under pressure, upholding justice even when it’s unpopular, and always putting the safety and well-being of your community first.” He urged the officers to “lead by example, treat everyone with respect, and never compromise your values.”
To the immigration officers, Budhram underscored the importance of their role, stating: “Your role is critical in maintaining national security.” He reminded them that they are often the first point of contact at the country’s borders and encouraged them to approach every situation with vigilance, professionalism, and compassion.
Several officers were recognized for outstanding performance:
Junior Officers’ Course
-
Best Academic Paper: Assistant Superintendent Seon Leitch (Regional Division #9)
-
2nd Runner-up: Cadet Officer Elroy Khan (Tactical Services Unit)
-
1st Runner-up: Assistant Superintendent Kwesi Lawrence (SWAT)
-
Valedictorian: Assistant Superintendent Seon Leitch (Regional Division #9)
Immigration Course
-
2nd Runner-up: Woman Constable Bonita Crawford
-
1st Runner-up: Apprentice Allanna Heralall
-
Valedictorian: Woman Constable Renetta Moses
The JOC was coordinated by Woman Superintendent Halley-Smith, with support from Woman Deputy Superintendent Moore-Bowen. Superintendent Halley-Smith extended brief congratulatory remarks and wished the graduates continued success in their policing careers.
The ceremony was also attended by Director of the Police Academy, Senior Superintendent Sonia Herbert; Senior Superintendent Stephen Telford; Second in Charge of Administration, Mrs. Jewel Sullivan; Deputy Superintendent Moore-Bowen; other junior officers, ranks, and special guests.
(GPF)
