GPF Inspectors urged to lead modern policing push
February 25 2026
The Guyana Police Force’s Inspectors’ Conference 2026 opened Wednesday morning at the Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary, under the theme: “Modern Policing for a Modern Nation: Integrating Technology, Innovation, and Leadership to Strengthen Public Safety and Trust.”
The two-day conference, running from February 25 to 26, brings together senior officers from across the country as the Force advances its modernization agenda.
Commissioner Hicken: Inspectors Are the Link Between Policy and Practice
Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken underscored the central leadership role of Inspectors in translating policy into operational results, noting that Guyana’s rapid development requires corresponding transformation within the Force.
“Today’s theme is not just a phrase on a banner. It represents a clear national expectation,” he said. “You are the link between policy and practice. It is at your level that strategy becomes service, policy becomes action, and standards become habit.”
Charging Inspectors to embrace their responsibilities with renewed purpose, the Commissioner described them as frontline ambassadors of the organisation. “You are ambassadors of the Guyana Police Force. Let this be a change,” he urged. “The Force succession plan will be realized across the Force.”
Highlighting achievements under the 2022–2026 Strategic Plan, Commissioner Hicken pointed to technology-driven enforcement, expanded digital infrastructure, modernised command centres, increased mobility assets, a strengthened 911 system, and the deployment of thousands of body-worn cameras. These measures, he said, contributed to a 29% reduction in road accidents and a 27% drop in serious crimes.
He also emphasized human resource development, noting that more than 3,500 ranks were promoted in 2025, while nearly 2,000 benefitted from scholarships, training, and welfare support. Language training, expanded daycare services, and decentralised therapist units formed part of efforts to strengthen professionalism and resilience within the Force.
Looking ahead to the 2027–2031 policing plan, backed by a GY$36.2 billion allocation, the Commissioner outlined priorities including predictive policing supported by artificial intelligence, electronic case management, biometric-enhanced border security, digitized licensing processes, expanded e-ticketing with a demerit points system, and technology-supported responses for vulnerable populations.
“These are not abstract plans. They are operational projects, and you, Inspectors, will be responsible for making them work,” he stated. “The future is ours to build. Let us build it together, modern in our approach, firm in our standards, and united in our commitment to serve and protect the people of Guyana.”
Minister Walrond: Leadership Must Be Visible and Measurable
Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond delivered a firm mandate to Inspectors, stressing that transformation in 2026 depends on effective supervision and execution.
She described the conference as “not ceremonial… not routine,” but “operational.”
“You serve at a defining moment in our nation’s history,” she told the ranks. “Guyana is transforming rapidly, and security must keep pace. Reform will not succeed because we announce it. Reform will succeed because supervision becomes stronger, more consistent, and more accountable.”
Referencing President Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s Eight Pillars for transforming the Force, Minister Walrond emphasized that they are “not conference themes or documents for shelves.”
“Their success depends entirely on execution at the station level,” she said. “These pillars will advance or stall based on the quality of your supervision.”
She reminded Inspectors of their responsibility to ensure case files are complete and court-ready, technology is used with discipline and accountability, and traffic and border enforcement remains consistent and impartial.
“In 2026, your leadership must be visible, measurable, and consistent,” she declared. “Investment in this Force is justified not by resources provided, but when crime declines, response times improve, and public confidence strengthens.”
Quoting Standing Order No. 6, she said: “Standing Order No. 6 is not ceremonial language. It defines your authority and your duty. If enforced consistently, discipline strengthens, performance improves, and public confidence grows.”
The Minister also issued a stern warning: “Corruption is not a minor breach; it is a national security threat. Corruption survives where supervision is weak.”
On the treatment of vulnerable groups, she added: “A Force that fails the vulnerable cannot build trust. Domestic violence and sexual offences must be treated urgently, with victims treated with dignity.”
In closing, she stressed that the framework for modern policing is already in place. “What remains is execution, and execution rests with you,” she said. “Performance will not be measured in effort. It will be measured in results.”
“Inspectors, this is your charge,” Minister Walrond concluded.
Deputy Commissioners Outline Strategy
Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ Ravindradat Budhram addressed administrative issues, emphasizing Stores Regulations and the Force’s Strategic Pillars, particularly Developing Our People, Partnerships, and Professionalism. He noted that strong administrative systems are essential to organisational efficiency and accountability.
Deputy Commissioner ‘Law Enforcement’ Wendell Blanhum provided an overview of the national crime situation and outlined strategic measures to address prevailing trends and operational challenges. He highlighted intelligence-led policing, proactive operations, and inter-agency collaboration as critical to reducing crime and enhancing public safety.
The conference continues Thursday with focused presentations, strategic discussions, and capacity-building sessions aimed at strengthening leadership and operational effectiveness across the Inspectors’ corps.
(GPF)
