-as the Force kicks off its 187th Anniversary celebrations

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, performing the functions of Minister of Home Affairs today in the absence of the substantive Minister, the Honourable Oneidge Walrond extended congratulations to Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken and the Executive Leadership Team of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) during the Force’s launch of its 187th anniversary celebrations held at the Police  Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary.  Minister Walrond is currently overseas on official duty.        

Dr. Singh, on behalf of President Irfaan Ali, lauded the GPF for achieving this significant milestone as he participated in the traditional Drum Head Church Service which involves the piling of drums and laying of the Golden Arrowhead along with the GPF Flag at the Tactical Services Unit Drill Square.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh

With the GPF established on July 1, 1839, and at that time referred to as the British Guiana Police Force in the pre-independence era, this church service is held yearly to commemorate the Force’s anniversary and serves as the prelude to a number of other activities throughout the month of July by the GPF to commemorate the occasion.

The activity included the military drums being stacked to become an altar and is a symbol of unity, reverence, and remembrance among uniformed services.

Minister Singh posited that Government would continue to honour and acknowledge the service of generations of policemen and women who have served the Force with distinction and, through the Force, have served the Guyanese people.

The month-long GPF 187th anniversary celebrations will see the additional following activities taking place :  a route march, an Inter-Divisions (Male & Female) Domino Competition, a Fitness Walk, Rugby Games, a Welfare Day, the Fallen Heroes (Wreath Laying) Ceremony, President’s National Clean Up Initiative, 5-A-Side Inter-Regions (Male & Female) Football Competitions,  the Commissioner of Police T-20 Cricket Finals, an Awards Ceremony, a Night of Fights, a Road Relay,  an Annual Swimming Championship  and a Track & Field Championship.