From the busy streets of the capital city, where a young man once called out for passengers, to lecture halls, Sergeant Troy Anthony Van Rossum has proven that humble beginnings are no match for a determined spirit.
At just 13 years old, little Van Rossum began working as a minibus conductor, a role driven not only by necessity but also by a persistent desire to uplift his family and secure his education.
Using what he earned from that hustle, he financed his secondary education, and in 2011, he successfully attained seven Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate subjects at St. Mary’s High School.
Support came from all directions. With encouragement from those around him, Van Rossum applied to the University of Guyana (UG). While awaiting confirmation, he returned to conducting to save toward his tuition.
During this time, he was supported by Prince Wilson, owner of minibus BMM 1679, a number Troy says he’ll never forget. Wilson not only provided steady employment but also urged Van Rossum to continue his academic pursuits.
In late 2012, he was accepted into the Diploma in Forestry programme, which commenced in January 2013. Transitioning to university life wasn’t easy, and his first exam, in Soil Science, resulted in a disheartening score of 27 per cent.
But he did not walk the path alone. Classmates like Loris Vangenderen, Jermaine Hunte, Devika Singh, Felix Braithwaite, Ronnel Domer, and Terrence Brown rallied around each other with a “no man left behind” mentality. Together, they all graduated with Bachelor of Science degrees.
Van Rossum’s aspiration to serve in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) as a Cadet Officer was cut short due to a medical issue. Undeterred, he set his sights on the Guyana Police Force (GPF), where he successfully enlisted in 2017, the same year he graduated from UG. But his journey didn’t stop there.
In 2022, Van Rossum applied to the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) to pursue a Master’s in Criminology and Social Policy, which he was accepted into at Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom.
This was not just a career move; it was a calling he noted. He felt inspired to become “an officer focusing on the youths and crime,” a guiding presence in the lives of those often left behind.
Through his postgraduate studies, Van Rossum gained deeper insights into the root causes of youth delinquency, peer pressure, unstable home environments, and social neglect. This knowledge now guides his approach to the field: empathy first, solutions second. He has learned to assess when intervention requires social services rather than punishment and strives to build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Beyond his police work, Sergeant Van Rossum remains deeply involved in youth and community development. In collaboration with the Back Circle Ballers, he organised two of the country’s largest small-goal football tournaments, fully sponsored by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Charles Ramson Jnr., and the Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken.
Additionally, as the second Vice President of the Riddim Squad Football Club, he aims to help transform the club into a hub of opportunity for young people.
One of his early aspirations was a Police Recruitment Drive aimed at opening new employment avenues for young people, which was supported by the president and executive members of the club mentioned above.
Looking ahead to 2026, Van Rossum envisions launching steelpan clubs and expanding football and cricket programmes into every Guyanese community, efforts he believes are vital to crime prevention and social cohesion.
Sergeant Van Rossum credits his achievements to divine guidance and unwavering support from family and mentors. He extends his heartfelt thanks to his parents, foster parents, brothers, and extended family. He also recognises the faithful support of his wife, the GPF, the GOAL Scholarship Board, and great friends.
