In recognition of the International Women’s Day campaign theme for 2023 – Embrace Equity, The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) in collaboration with the community relations department of the Guyana Police Force, and the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry launched the Inaugural Women in Law Enforcement Summit 2023 – Gather. Collaborate. Grow

Taking place at the Police Officer’s Mess Annexe on March 9th and 10th, the summit aims to bring together women with a shared vision to strengthen the Law Enforcement Community by celebrating diversity, promoting education and fostering leadership development.

The event aims to bring together prominent business leaders and diverse representations. Targeted competency areas include human resources management, skills and behaviors, communication skills, team building, decision-making, gender differences, emotional intelligence and mapping the road to entrepreneurship. 

The summit’s objectives are to proactively foster and support inclusiveness while facilitating open and candid discussions; and activities to develop personal and professional skills and the general growth and development of female law enforcement officers.

It will also help female law enforcement officers address challenges they may face and strengthen their resilience and responses, including the sharing of work and life experiences, and strengthen collaboration between private and public sector women in order to empower women. Further, providing one-to-one instructor-led counseling to improve emotional intelligence and growth.

Ultimately, the session will assist attendees in developing strategies to thrive in their professions and reach their goals, along with identifying new techniques that will empower them (female officers). Attendees will be equipped with the necessary skills to leave a positive footprint on their department for the future generation, among other benefits.

Among those present at this morning’s opening ceremony were Hon. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Ms. Gail Tiexeria, MP, Acting Commissioner of Police, Mr. Clifton Hicken, Ms. Mae Toussaint Jr. Thomas, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Mr. Timothy Tucker, President of the GCCI, special invitees and other senior and junior officers.

The Chamber was also represented by Mr. Kester Hutson, Junior Vice President, Ms. Shaleeza Shaw, Secretary, Ms. Kerri Gravesande-Bart, Councillor, Ms. Kathy Smith, Vice Chair of GCCI’s membership and diversity committee as well as a few other Councillors and members.