Over 10,000 police ranks have benefitted from training courses and more than 1000 engaged in higher learning with support from the state.
This is according to Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken during his address at the Guyana Police Force’s 186th Anniversary Award Ceremony 2025.
He said that, “between 2020 and 2025, 10,546 ranks benefited from 444 local conducted training courses reflecting our deep investment in continuous learning.”
“In support of higher learning and specialised skills,” the commissioner highlighted that, “1, 374 ranks were awarded with scholarships and sponsorships while 697 ranks have successfully completed 110 overseas training programmes to further strengthen institutional learning.”
Additionally, the force has established Memorandums of Agreements with 20 academic institutions to ensure that ranks receive training that is relevant to contemporary policing.
It was highlighted that these courses include foreign languages in Spanish, Portuguese, French and Mandarin to address language barrier constraints given the influx of migrants within the country.
Additionally, these ranks will complement the recently announced police tourism unit that will specifically cater to the foreigners coming into the country. The dedicated police unit will be trained in customer service.
“Communication and culture sensitivity will enhance safety in our tourism zone,” the commissioner posited. He highlighted that expats are coming to Guyana and, “we need to treat them with that equal respect.”
The commissioner noted the importance of the unit as he pointed to the rise in tourism and the relevance of the sector.
