Police ranks gain certification in heavy-duty machinery, fibre optics

A total of 141 persons including ranks attached to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) who underwent skills training programmes conducted through a collaboration between the GPF and the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) graduated on Friday.

The 120 men and 21 women are now equipped to undertake various skills-related projects, including operating heavy-duty equipment and installing fibre optics.

During a brief ceremony at the Guyana Police Training Centre, Camp Street, Georgetown, Richard Maughn, Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Industrial Training—an agency of the Ministry of Labour—urged the graduates to utilise the knowledge gained during the costly training sessions. The training programmes collectively amounted to some $12 million, Maughn said.

“Go out and work with dignity and with confidence, knowing that a lot was invested in you so that you could contribute to the development of our country,” Maughn said.

He also reminded the graduands to maintain discipline and dedication as they enter the workforce and utilise their skills.

Forty persons completed the ETA fibre optics installation programme, which is a highly accredited certification. Through collaboration with the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC), 84 persons were trained in heavy-duty equipment operations, and through the regular training programme of the Guyana Police Force, 41 ranks were trained.

Maughn added that the government invested this money with the aim of improving the quality of education and training for the ranks.

Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh, in his remarks, said the development of society relies on its ability to provide reliable service and quality training to improve human capacity.

He urged the ranks to continue their efforts to upskill themselves.

“We were awarded an opportunity that allows us to serve in areas beyond law enforcement.

“Our ranks are now positioned and given the opportunity to perform in other areas. We are giving ourselves a chance to grow, as a country should,” the Traffic Chief said.

The ranks can now utilise these skills both within the Police Force and to earn additional income.