‘The higher you rise, the sharper the knives’ – Crime Chief tells newly promoted detectiv
08 March 2025
In a poignant address to a number of newly promoted detectives under his watch, Deputy Commissioner – Law Enforcement, Wendell Blanhum emphasised the challenges that come with rising through the ranks. Quoting Christian Horner, he said, “The higher you rise, the sharper the knives.”
The Crime Chief made this remark at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe earlier today (Saturday, March 9, 2025), where he delivered the opening remarks for a one-day training seminar focused on three critical components of Guyana’s ongoing efforts to modernize its criminal justice system, tailored for his officers and ranks of the Criminal Investigation Department.
Urging his detectives to remain professional despite adversity, Crime Chief Blanhum stated, “The more you climb the rank structure, the more authority and titles you possess – then the more likely you will be on the receiving end by those who envy you and want to see you fail. You will even endure betrayal from others, yes, just like Jesus Christ did. Much attention and scrutiny will be placed on you, even negative attention and attacks by those who feel threatened or envied by your success, and they will go above and beyond to see you fail.”
The Deputy Commissioner ‘Law Enforcement’ further encouraged his dedicated ranks to remain steadfast and professional as they reach higher heights in the Guyana Police Force.
“Stay the course, keep climbing with the aim of reaching the top of this noble organization, and always remain professional even when you are dealing with those who wish for your downfall. Proverbs 14:30 expressly states that a heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. In other words, this biblical message is saying to us that envy is very destructive to one’s well-being, causing inner troubles and can potentially lead to ill health,” Deputy Commissioner Blanhum charged his detectives.
Today’s one-day seminar is being conducted by the Guyana Police Force’s Junior Legal Advisor, Ms. Janet A. Ali, LL.B, L.E.C., Attorney-At-Law.
The seminar is focused on three critical components of Guyana’s ongoing efforts to modernize its criminal justice system: the Needham’s Point Declaration on Criminal Justice Reform, the Criminal Law Procedure (Paper Committals) Act 2024, and the Criminal Procedure (Plea Discussion, Plea Agreement, and Assistance Agreement) Act 2024.
The Needham’s Point Declaration is a comprehensive framework aimed at transforming the country’s criminal justice system. It emphasizes a holistic approach to reform, focusing on policy and legislative interventions, prosecution, police practices, representation and support for the accused, victims’ rights, and judicial reforms.
The Declaration’s significance lies in its commitment to addressing systemic issues such as overcrowded prisons, lengthy trial delays, and rising crime rates by promoting the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, enhancing victims’ rights, and improving judicial efficiency.
The Criminal Law Procedure (Paper Committals) Act 2024, enacted in Guyana, is a significant legislative development aimed at streamlining the criminal justice process. This Act replaces preliminary inquiries with paper committals, allowing for more efficient handling of cases by eliminating the need for lengthy oral testimonies during the preliminary stage. By doing so, it helps reduce case backlogs and accelerates the judicial process, aligning with the broader goals of the Needham’s Point Declaration to enhance efficiency and fairness in the justice system.
The Criminal Procedure (Plea Discussion, Plea Agreement, and Assistance Agreement) Act 2024 is another crucial piece of legislation that facilitates plea bargaining and cooperation agreements in Guyana. This Act enables defendants to negotiate plea agreements with prosecutors, potentially reducing trial times and promoting more efficient case resolution. It also allows for assistance agreements, where defendants may receive reduced sentences in exchange for cooperation with law enforcement, further aligning with the Declaration’s emphasis on efficient justice processes.
Today’s training seminar will provide a comprehensive overview of these legal developments, equipping members of the GPF’s Criminal Investigation Department with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively implement these reforms. The seminar will focus on key aspects of the Needham’s Point Declaration, the Paper Committals Act, and the strategic use of plea bargaining under the new Criminal Procedure Act.
Enhancing the understanding and application of these reforms will allow members of the Force, particularly ranks of the Force’s Investigative arm, to navigate the evolving legal landscape and aid in significantly improving the efficiency, fairness, and effectiveness of Guyana’s criminal justice system.
The one-day training seminar conducted by Ms. Janet A. Ali represents a significant step forward in Guyana and by extension the Guyana Police Force’s efforts to modernize its criminal justice system.
To read more about these Acts or to download a PDF file of the Acts, you can click on the links provided below:
Criminal Law Procedure (Paper Committals) Act 2024
https://www.parliament.gov.gy/…/criminallawprocedurepap…
Criminal Procedure (Plea Discussion, Plea Agreement, and Assistance Agreement) Act 2024
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