The Guyanese American Law Enforcement Association (GALEA), honored 1st Deputy Commissioner of the NYPD, Benjamin B. Tucker, with the Man of the Year Award, State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud, with the Woman of the Year Award, and Detective Noel Lawrence PBBS, with the Cop of the Year Award, at the organization’s 2nd Annual Awards Dinner Dance at Terrace on the Park, in Queens.
The Oct. 10 presentation also honored Consul General of Nickerie, Suriname, Esther Griffith, and CEO, BK International, Inc., Guyana, Brian Tiwarie.
The professionals were recognized for their outstanding community service, leadership and selfless dedication to their citizens in New York.
During the presentation attended by Consul General of Guyana to New York, Barbara Atherly, GALEA members, NYPD officers Khyume Khan, Mark Ellis, Mark Holder, Khemraj Singh, patrons were reminded of the mission of the nonprofit, which is to keep up the high standards, dignity and reputation of the members.
In her brief remarks, President of GALEA, Deputy Inspector Rhonda O’Reilly-Bovell thanked the community for its continued support and called on members to be committed to the organization’s vision to create a fraternal bond among all Guyanese law enforcement officers throughout the United States.
GALEA, whose focus is also to strengthen the relationship between Guyanese-Americans and law enforcement by promoting the Guyanese culture, values of justice, equality, and selfless service, has shown through its outreach programs the level of its responsibility to the community.
In so doing, the organization has gained the respect of the diaspora, and prominent people, such as Senator Roxanne J. Persaud, who thanked GALEA for its work and congratulated honorees, especially 1st Deputy Commissioner Ben Tucker, with whom she has worked and has known for a several years.
“I would like to encourage patrons to continue to support this organization,” said Sen. Persaud, who acknowledged Mr. Randolph Holder (Sr.) and Mrs. Holder, (parents of slain PO Randolph Holder) for their steadfast commitment to GALEA.
The First Nation Fraternal Organization Representing Guyanese Police Officers in Law Enforcement, GALEA says it stands by its motto, to “voice our concern, take part in charity work, recruitment events, and educate the youth and community about law enforcement.”
The group gets a closer union, a more cordial cooperation, and to spread a spirit of brotherhood among its members. The organization continues to enhance quality of life with the Guyanese communities in partnership to build and strengthen the relationship working in collaboration with the New York City Police Department.
The organization motto is “We are dedicated to serve the community while upholding a Guyanese’s sacred duty, without fear or hate, to defend the weak and protect the innocent.”
The proceedings was guided by Emcee Imran Ahmad, and blessed by Rev/PO Gary Arthur of the 10th Pct. Police Officer Jessica Arrubla sang the national anthems of Guyana and the United States, while Inspector Clinton McPherson gave the vote of thanks.
The group, founded in 2015 shortly after Inspector Randolph Holder Jr. was killed in the line of duty, returned to Guyana in 2017 to pay tribute to the officer at the second anniversary of his burial in LaPentir Cemetery, Georgetown, his former city of birth.
Guyanese American Law Enforcement Association is a non-for-profit Organization.
To learn more, go to GALEA/facebook galea
