Vincentian police complete regional Junior Officers’ course in Guyana

Assistant Superintendent of Police Ronald Benjamin, and Sub-Lieutenant Alphaeus Kenlet Francis, recently completed eight weeks of regional leadership and operational training through the Junior Officers’ Course at the Guyana Police Force Academy. Sub Lieutenant Francis, who serves with the SVG Coast Guard Service, placed fifth overall among the programme’s 31 participants.

The course,which ran from June 1 to July 29, 2026, brought together junior officers and civilian participants from 11 countries. It allowed ASP Benjamin and Sub-Lieutenant Francis to train alongside regional counterparts, compare operational experiences and examine security challenges that extend beyond national boundaries, the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) said in a release.

The programme focused on the responsibilities officers must be prepared to carry when the decisions matter most. These included leadership and ethics, operational planning, public-order command, police use of force, investigations, crime-scene management, human rights, disaster management, conflict resolution and community engagement.

Training was delivered through classroom instruction, written and practical exercises, physical training, cane and sword drills, equitation and visits to operational and administrative sites across Guyana.

The RSVGPF emphasised that the relevance of that training is practical as poor decisions at a crime scene can compromise an investigation. “Weak planning can complicate an emergency or public-order operation. Improper supervision or misuse of police authority can damage confidence in the entire organization. “Preparing officers to manage those responsibilities is therefore directly connected to the quality of service the public receives.”

The course also examined collaborative and intelligence-led policing, approaches which require law-enforcement agencies to identify patterns, share information and work with communities and regional partners rather than treat every report or incident in isolation.

ASP Benjamin and Sub-Lieutenant Francis also participated in activities marking the Guyana Police Force’s 187th anniversary, including its route march, Fallen Heroes’ Parade, community initiatives and sporting events.

The completion of the course provides the RSVGPF with two officers who have shared regional training in leadership, operations and modern policing.

“Its value will now be measured by how the knowledge gained is applied and shared within the organization to strengthen supervision, operational planning, investigations, decision-making and public trust.”