Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken has credited early planning, intelligence-led operations and strong collaboration among the Joint Services for the successful management of Guyana’s 60th Independence celebrations.
Reflecting on the nationwide security operation, Hicken said the festivities were largely peaceful despite large crowds and activities taking place across several regions.”Independence period was well managed. We recorded a peaceful environment across most regions and this was because due to early planning, coordination and cooperation with members of the public, members of the police generally and citizens.”
The Police Commissioner explained that the Force implemented a prevention-focused strategy supported by a range of specialised units, including traffic ranks, marine patrols and rapid response teams.
“Well, our strategy was basically intel-led and the prevention and focus. We deployed foot patrol, mobile patrol, traffic ranks, marine, rapid response team and all support by realtime communication and monitor systems to ensure swift actions where needed, marcy.”
He noted that extensive coordination took place before the celebrations, involving divisional commanders, heads of departments, the Guyana Defence Force and other stakeholders.
According to Hicken, technology also played a significant role in strengthening command and control during the busy holiday period.”Marci technology improve our command and control capability. It’s allowed for better coordination, faster decision making and improve situational awareness across all divisions during the peak hours.”
He added, “And so yes technology is here to stay and we will embrace it as a police force.”Hicken also highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong police presence throughout the celebrations, particularly along major routes leading to Independence activities and at key transportation hubs.
“You know, visibility is a key part of public safety. It presents officers in key areas to act as both deterrent to crime and reassurance to the public especially during large national events.
The Commissioner said ranks were deployed across several regions, including Regions Three, Four, Five and Six, while marine patrols monitored waterways leading to Fort Island and other activity areas.
He further praised the collaboration among the Joint Services and other agencies, noting that a coordinated approach helped strengthen security coverage nationwide.
“Yes, the collaboration was essential. Regional division traffic departments, the marine units, the community policing groups and emergency response teams work as one coordinated structure to ensure national coverage.”
Hicken said the concept of a unified security response continues to prove effective.”And so yes, I think while the president been good, it is evident that what he’s doing is working for us because yes we did well in terms of managing the independence. We did real well.”
Among the major challenges faced during the celebrations were crowd control, traffic management and maintaining order. However, Hicken said these issues were effectively addressed through planning and on-the-ground decision-making.
“The main challenges were crowd, traffic control, traffic management, maintains the order, activity, planning, discipline, execution. These were all efficient, effectively managed.”
He noted that senior officers remained in the field throughout the operation, allowing decisions to be made quickly as situations developed.
The Commissioner also commended the efforts of ranks who worked through the night, particularly along the waterways.
“And we worked that river through the night into morning. And the last boat based on my my feedback was 5:00 in the morning.”
Assessing the overall operation, Hicken gave the Force high marks for its performance.
“And i think if we are to have grading out of 100, I’m going to give myself out of 100 95. And I think all the other head of departments and all the other heads of services would have given themselves 95 too based on the success we had overall.”
The Commissioner also pointed to several highlights of the Independence celebrations, including drone displays, military demonstrations and parachute jumps, which he said showcased professionalism and the growing importance of technology.
As the celebrations concluded, Hicken expressed gratitude to members of the public and the ranks who contributed to the successful execution of the national event.
“I just want to commend every rank of the Guyana Police Force for their professionalism and dedication.” He added, “I want to thank the public for their cooperation together because without them we could not have um got through this. We ensured safety and successful independence celebration.”
Hicken said the experience gained from the operation has further strengthened cooperation among the security services and positioned them to manage future large-scale events across Guyana.
