On May 12, 2023, approximately 1000 Police Officers graduated from the COP SQUAD training program done by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) under the Spotlight initiative and in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Guyana Police Force.

Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Robeson Benn, M.P., during his brief remarks told the graduands present that “we know, I’m sure by now, that our country cannot survive as a unit, as a functional unit, as a sovereign unit, unless we overcome the issues of race and particularly the issues relating to domestic violence as it relates to women and children”.

“We have to stop killing our women”, Minister Benn posited.

The Guyana Police Force is sworn to act and serve in the interest of peace in the community to make our people and country safe, Minister Benn said, acknowledging that police officers have a responsibility to be peacemakers.

Minister Benn further stated that we will not have peace if the peacemakers are not able to deal with the issues relating to peace in a way that is appropriate and sustainable.

To date, approximately 1500 officers have been trained under this initiative and will be stationed in all 10 administrative regions.

Minister of Human Services Dr. Vindhya Persaud M.P., UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Yesim Oruc, Acting Commissioner of Police Mr. Clifton Hicken, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr. Calvin Brutus, Commander of Police Regional Divisions 4 ‘A’ Mr. Simon McBean, Commander of Police Regional Division 4 ‘B’ Mr. Mahendra Singh, Senior Superintendent Ewart Wray, special invitees, and the media were all present for this momentous occasion.