Obstacles towards improving image of GPF are significant

The recent letter by retired Assistant Commissioner Conway was very revealing and insightful. Focusing specifically on the opportunities for policing in a multi-cultural society, and the importance of being sensitive to the differences in the cultures in our society, the problematic becomes very complex. The difficulty is further amplified by the historical political climate and growing mistrust between the two main cultural components of our complex society. The obstacles before us towards improving the image of the GPF are that significant, and the difficulty of overcoming our history of conflict is quite substantial. No longer can we afford to turn a blind eye to the deep-seated mistrust between our communities.

Diversification of the GPF is necessary, and must also occur when policing a multi-cultural society such as ours. Members of our diverse communities must see those from their culture in their communities engaged in constructive policing, where the focus is to protect and serve fellow members of their communities. This is a key step towards encouraging a national culture, where the police are expected to help safeguard our citizens. Such increased cultural sensitivity within the Force will help make our land of six people adhere more uniformly to our laws and will also help guide the Force towards less perceived and real bias in how citizens are treated by the police. Officers will also benefit from the increased diversity within the GPF and begin to better understand and respect the cultural differences of the diverse communities within our society. As mentioned previously, the way forward is not the easiest, but it is becoming more necessary as cultural realization deepens within our multiplex of communities.

Sincerely,

Jamil Changlee

Chairman

The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana