Sergeant Troy Anthony Van Rossum: From minibus conductor to master’s degree holder

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 by necessity alone but by a persistent desire to uplift his family and secure his education. Using what he earned from that hustle, he financed his studies in his secondary education, and 2011, successfully attained seven CSEC subjects at St. Mary’s High School.

Support came from all directions. With encouragement from those around him, Troy applied to the University of Guyana. 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 will never forget. Wilson not only provided steady employment but also urged Troy to continue his academic pursuits.

In late 2012, he was accepted to do the Diploma in Forestry programme at the University of Guyana, which started in January 2013. Transitioning to university life was not 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.

Troy’s aspiration to serve in the Guyana Defence Force as a Cadet Officer was cut short due to a medical issue. Undeterred, he set his sights on the Guyana Police Force, where he successfully enlisted in 2017, the same year he graduated from the University of Guyana. But his journey did not stop there!

In 2022, Van Rossum applied for the Guyana Online Academy of Learning’s ‘GOAL’ Scholarship to pursue a Master’s in Criminology and Social Policy, which he was accepted into at the Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom. This was not just a career move, it was a calling. 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, Troy 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.

Also, as the second Vice President of the Riddim Squad Football Club, he intends to help reshape the club into a hub of opportunity for youths.

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, Troy 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 heartfelt thanks to his parents, foster parents, his brothers and his extended family.

He also recognises the faithful support of his wife, the Guyana Police Force, the GOAL Scholarship Board, and great friends.

From a minibus conductor to a Master’s degree holder, Troy’s story is one of resilience, faith, and an unshakable commitment. He stands as living proof that no dream is too ambitious, and no start is too modest when passion and purpose lead the way. (Guyana Police Force)