By Leroy Smith
[www.inewsguyana.com] – Today, Wednesday April 02 will mark the end of the service of Assistant Commissioner of Police George Alexander Vyphuis in the Guyana Police Force and the beginning of his retirement after thirty five years of service.
Vyphuis, who was promoted to several ranks of the Guyana Police Force during his tenure and who worked in several divisions within the Force said that it was his hope to retire from the Force at the level of a Deputy Commissioner of Police.
Speaking with reporters at his office on Tuesday (April 01) ahead of his farewell parade today, Vyphuis said that he hoped to achieve many things in the force and knew where he wanted to be.
He noted that while the power to appoint and disappoint lies with the almighty, he is happy for the rank at which he is leaving the force and is confident that he was able to serve the Guyana Police Force with distinction.
While he is the sitting A Division Commander, Vyphuis is passing out as the substantive ACP Operations. He was asked by recently retired Commissioner of Police Leroy Brumell to hold the fort at A Division when its substantive commander Derrick Josiah became involved in an accident which later claimed his life.
The outgoing Assistant Commissioner of Police said that his first real big opportunity of leading the force was granted to him by then A Division Commander the late Police Commissioner of Police Henry Greene, who placed him in charge of the number one sub division within the A Division.
Vyphuis, who boasted about his successful abilities of gaining public support and working with children, said that he enjoyed working with the youth of Guyana. He said that he has a passion for young people and that is what earned him the respect he received while serving in Essequibo.
George Vyphuis told the media that his two most challenging but accomplished periods working in the Force was while he headed the Immigration Department and more recently when he sat as the Commander “A” Division during the National Election.
He recalled that during his stint at the Central Immigration Office, there were lots which needed to be fixed and those things were fixed.
The senior police officer said that he will never forget his relationship and involvement with the Immigration Department as he noted that it is a “life story” for him.
The A Division will temporarily be headed by Senior Superintendent Eon Amsterdam who has been serving the force for the 31 years year now.
Amsterdam, who is regarded as one of the institutional memory of the Guyana Police Force began lecturing at the police college while he was still a constable. He has also worked at the TSU, Immigration, Criminal Investigation Department and other critical parts of the force.
Vyphuis expressed his confidence that until the Acting Police Commissioner is ready to appoint a Commander for the division, Amsterdam is capable of holding the division together since he has been allowed to prove his worth on numerous occasions and has a good understanding of the job.
With his 35 years of service to Guyana, Vyphuis now plans to give his family the time they deserve stating that they would have sacrificed so many things to allow him to serve the Guyanese people.
He said, “It’s only fitting that I give back to my family now.”
“I know I touched many lives as a police officer,” Vyphuis confidently stated while calling on police officers to show respect for the job and the citizens of the country who pay hard earn taxes to ensure that police officers receive a salary at the end of the month.
i must say that my interaction with you were very positive. it is with great respect i congratulate you on the job well done in your military career.