GPF launches crisis management training in partnership with Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office

The Guyana Police Force, in collaboration with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, today (Monday, August 18, 2025) launched a Crisis Management Training Programme at the Officers’ Training Centre (OTC), Camp Road, Georgetown, with 58 ranks participating, all drawn from the Tactical Services Unit (TSU).

Delivering the opening remarks at the Crisis Management Training, Woman Senior Superintendent, Dr. Nicola Kendall, described the initiative as “yet another significant step in our ongoing efforts to strengthen the professionalism, readiness, and resilience of our ranks in the face of complex challenges.”

She pointed out that crisis situations, whether arising from natural disasters, civil disturbances, or emerging security threats, require not only courage and discipline but also specialized knowledge, planning, and coordination.

Against this backdrop, she stressed that “this training is therefore timely and essential, equipping our ranks with the tools to respond decisively, protect lives, and restore order with integrity and accountability.”

Highlighting the importance of international collaboration, Dr. Kendall noted that the programme “reflects the valued partnership between the Guyana Police Force and the United States Embassy.”

Explaining that such cooperation not only boosts training capacity but also “strengthens international cooperation in building safer, more resilient societies.” Commending the organisers and facilitators, along those lines, she urged participants to approach the sessions “with openness, discipline, and determination,” reminding them that the skills gained would strengthen both personal competence and the collective capacity of the Force.

Dr. Kendall concluded by reaffirming the shared commitment to “service, resilience, and excellence in policing,” noting that this ensures the Guyana Police Force remains a pillar of stability and safety for the nation.

United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole D. Theriot, in her remarks, highlighted the importance of international collaboration, while lauding the strong and growing partnership between the United States of America and Guyana.

Ambassador Theriot pointed out that this crisis management training is timely as Guyana prepares for its upcoming elections on September 1, 2025. She emphasised the critical role of law enforcement in ensuring citizens’ rights to vote, assemble, and express their views peacefully and safely. The U.S. Ambassador reminded participants that effective crisis response, timely communication, and professionalism are essential to maintaining public trust during challenging periods.

The crisis management programme will see 58 Police officers of all ranks working closely with experienced law enforcement professionals from Miami-Dade, sharing best practices and building capacity to manage crises effectively. Ambassador Theriot also reaffirmed the U.S. Government’s continued commitment to supporting Guyana’s security, stability, and sovereignty, expressing confidence that this initiative will help foster free, fair, and credible elections in the weeks ahead.

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Clifton Hicken, during brief remarks, emphasised that the Crisis Management Training is “far more than a routine training exercise.” He explained that it represents a concrete expression of the Guyana Police Force’s strategic vision to strengthen operational capacity through purposeful international collaboration, as outlined in the Partnership Pillar of the Force’s Strategic Plan 2022–2026.

With the General and Regional Elections scheduled for September 1, 2025, Hicken noted that while the likelihood of unrest remains low, “the Tactical Services Unit will maintain the highest level of readiness to respond decisively should the need arise.”

The Commissioner further highlighted that the programme’s significance extends beyond elections, reinforcing the Tactical Services Unit’s responsibilities in high-risk operations, VIP protection, crowd management, counter-terrorism, and critical incident response.

He also reminded participants that “crisis management is not simply about reacting to emergencies; it is about anticipating challenges, preventing escalation, and restoring order with fairness and sound judgment.”

While expressing appreciation to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office for its continued support, he urged participants to embrace the training with discipline and commitment, stressing that “the eyes of the nation will be upon us during this election period and beyond.”

The event was also attended by representatives from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office—Sergeant Oscar Pla, Sergeant Lazaro Rodriguez, and Deputy Ramon Rodriguez—as well as officials from the U.S. Embassy, including Regional Security Officer Tim Semons, and Political & Economic Chief Russell Zalizniak.