The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Wednesday launched month-long activities to mark its 187th anniversary, celebrating nearly two centuries of policing and public service since its establishment on July 1, 1839.
The observance began with the Force’s traditional Drum Head Church Service at the Tactical Services Unit Drill Square, Eve Leary, where police officers, senior government officials and invited guests gathered to commemorate the milestone.
Established during the colonial era as the British Guiana Police Force, the organisation was created to maintain law and order, protect life and property, prevent and detect crime, and enforce the laws of the then colony. Following Guyana’s independence in 1966, it became the Guyana Police Force and has continued to serve as the country’s principal law enforcement agency.
The annual Drum Head Church Service remains one of the Force’s oldest traditions and serves as the official opening of its anniversary celebrations. The ceremony involves the stacking of military drums to form an altar and the laying of the Golden Arrowhead and the Guyana Police Force flag atop the drums, symbolising unity, reverence and remembrance among the uniformed services.
Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken and members of the Force’s Executive Leadership Team were joined by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, who performed the functions of Minister of Home Affairs in the absence of substantive Minister Oneidge Walrond, who is overseas on official duty.
On behalf of President Irfaan Ali, Dr. Singh congratulated the Force on reaching its 187th anniversary and paid tribute to generations of police officers who have served the country.
He said the Government would continue to honour and acknowledge the service of policemen and women who have served the Force with distinction and, through it, the people of Guyana.
The anniversary celebrations will continue throughout July with a series of sporting, welfare and commemorative activities designed to foster camaraderie among ranks while engaging the wider public.
Scheduled events include a route march, inter-divisional male and female domino competition, fitness walk, rugby matches, Welfare Day, a Fallen Heroes wreath-laying ceremony, participation in the President’s National Clean-Up Initiative, five-a-side inter-regional football competitions for men and women, the Commissioner of Police T20 cricket finals, an awards ceremony, a Night of Fights, a road relay, the Force’s annual swimming championships and a track and field championship.
The annual celebrations provide an opportunity for the Guyana Police Force to reflect on its history and recognise the service and sacrifices of its members while reaffirming its commitment to maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law.
