Greene, speaking to members of the Joint Services who participated in the Junior Officers’ Course Number 19, noted that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and sister forces are duty bound to serve the public and should take this responsibility seriously. The ranks were given certificates for completing the course at a closing ceremony on Friday afternoon.
The course was a joint effort between the armed forces and the University of Guyana (UG). Partnership, Greene said, noting the cooperation between UG and GPF, is very important to any goal to be achieved by anyone or any organization worldwide.
He also expressed hope for programmes directly related to policing to be made available at the university and other educational institutions.
Deputy Superintendent A. La Fleur, the course coordinator, gave a brief evaluation of the course which commenced on October 12. The course, she reported, aimed to improve the performance of the participants in their present rank and where applicable to prepare them for senior positions in the force.
More specifically the course aimed to upgrade their knowledge in the art of leadership, techniques of good management, theories of human behaviour and the skills of communication, upgrade their competence in the use of English as a means of increasing the effectiveness of their job performance, enable them to appreciate their role in the context of the legal framework pertaining to Guyana, enhance the succession plan of the GPF, stimulate the thoughts and energies of the participants and to maintain and strengthen formal links among the uniformed services in Guyana thereby creating a formidable spirit of cordiality and brotherhood.
Some 116 subjects, according to La Fleur, were briefly touched on during the course which was divided into two modules. Module one dealt with management; this included topics such as the role, function of management and leadership and leadership styles and human rights. The second module dealt with administration and operational issues and covered areas like the Police Complaints Authority.
“The course has been a challenge,” Le Fleur said on Friday, “and it contained many lectures, demonstrations, power point presentations…it was a rewarding experience.”
Meanwhile, the feature address was delivered by Dean Michael Scott, Faculty of Social Science UG. Scott reiterated the commissioner’s comments about the importance of partnership adding that the university has recognized that there is no way they can do things without this vital component.
He congratulated the participants and also noted that the skills of the armed forces must be continuously upgraded since things change in the sector at a fast rate. Courses, Scott assured, will be continuously updated to complement the constant change.
Twenty-two ranks from the GPF and one each from the Guyana Defence Force, the Georgetown City Constabulary and the Guyana Fire Service participated in the course.
