Commissioner Persaud’s farewell honours a ‘legacy of contemporary policing’
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Scores of service men and women of the Guyana Police Force, along with well-wishers including top government officials and members of diplomatic corps, gathered at the Eve Leary sports Complex to be a part of an official farewell ceremony in honour of outgoing commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud, DSM this afternoon.
Seelall Persaud, DSM, Outgoing Commissioner of the Guyana Police Force.
In all the respect and honours given, it had been noted that Commissioner Seelall Persaud was retiring, leaving a ‘Legacy of contemporary policing’ behind. The ceremony saw various policing units participating in a March Past where the retiring officer took his last salute as Police Commissioner.
The opportunity was taken by one of the ranks to acknowledge the development that has been overseen by Persaud during his four-year tenure. The Commissioner was described as a man of character, courage, commitment, consideration and compassion who is solution driven and action oriented.
Assistant Commissioner of Operations Nigel Hoppie remarked that “He (Seelall) always cited the need for additional human and other resources to build capacity within the organization (GPF) and was able to receive government’s approval for the expansion of the establishment by some 1500 ranks along with the establishment several crimes fighting units.”
Commissioner Persaud doing a walk through inspection of officers, who are apart of the parade.
Additionally, the senior officer noted that the departing commissioner was a man who advocated for strong leadership within the force. Assistant Commissioner Hoppie also indicated that former top cop was responsible for the establishment of several beneficial programmes which included community relations departments in each division, provision for youth to develop vocational skills, the Fallen Heroes’ Foundation Incorporated among other initiatives.
The outgoing commissioner in his remarks said that his service was, “a long, eventful but enjoyable journey that I have had and I did not come this distance in isolation. So there are many who I need to thank for it. Of those, I will start by thanking God for bringing me this far. I’m leaving the force in good health and with full confidence, facing the next phase of my life.” He noted that his time in the force has contributed significantly to his development over the years.
His closing words were, “I want to wish my successor and his team at the top management the best for the future… I wish to also say that my full support will continue to be with them.”
The outgoing commissioner has given in excess of 33 years of service to Guyana through the police force. He has served as commissioner from 2014 to 2018 and is the eleventh commissioner to serve the country since Guyana attained independence in 1966.
By: Delicia Haynes