Become “movers and shakers” – Min. Ramjattan to GPF’s Key Opinion Leaders
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, June 7, 2018
Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan today called on officers of the Guyana Police Force to be leaders in their own right and be shining examples to their colleagues and communities.
The minister was giving remarks at a simple graduation ceremony of 21 officers who participated in the Justice Education Society’s (JES) Key Opinion Leaders; a three-month training programme funded by the United States Government.
The Key Opinion Leaders training was designed to create a cadre of trainers who not only sought to improve their knowledge and professional skills but who will also mentor and influence change among their colleagues.
According to the US embassy, it is a small step towards the professionalisation of the Guyana Police Force.
Minister Ramjattan said the JES will not be around for much longer, noting that officers should take hold of the opportunities such training provides.
“To make education sustainable after they would have left means that we have to cultivate the ground, prepare the soil so that we could the personnel ready to ensure continuous harvest,”. That, he said is vitally important for sustainability.
The Minister said officers who have received extensive training over the last three months, can also initiate other programmes that would support the police force.
Representing the US embassy Political and Economic Chief, Alexandra King said training furthers the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative’s goal of increasing public safety and security through programmes that seek to professionalise law enforcement institutions through technical assistance and training.
“Through projects like this, the US Embassy recommits itself to assisting the Government of Guyana to not only improve the effectiveness of its criminal justice institutions and system but also to assist in citizen security,” she said.
The event was held at the Police Officers’ Training Centre, Camp Street.
By: Alexis Rodney.
Images: Jules Gibson.