Power of purpose: How Roger Westmoreland turned challenges into triumph

At just 26 years old, Police Cadet Officer Roger Junior Westmoreland has made his family, friends, and the Guyana Police Force proud by being named the Best Graduating Student not once but twice. He first earned the honour during the Police Induction Course and repeated this remarkable feat at the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School’s Standard Officer’s Course (SOC) #56.

His journey to success, however, was far from easy. It is a story written in perseverance, faith, and unwavering discipline — shaped by humble beginnings and strengthened through trials that tested his body, mind, and spirit.

Born on 20 August 1999 at the West Demerara Regional Hospital, Westmoreland grew up in a close-knit Christian home under the watchful care of both parents. As one of five siblings — two sisters and two brothers — he spent his early years between Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara, and Tuschen New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo. There, discipline, respect, and doing what is right were not merely lessons but a way of life.

His educational foundation was built at Tuschen Nursery, Zeelugt Primary, and Zeeburg Secondary Schools, from which he graduated in 2016.

Like many young men with a heart for service, Westmoreland dreamed of joining the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). However, being underage at the time, he was unable to enlist. Refusing to remain idle, he took on various jobs between 2016 and 2018 — experiences that instilled in him the values of hard work and adaptability, qualities that would later define his career.

It was during his time at Qualfon Guyana Inc. that fate intervened. There, he met a member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) who was attached to the Presidential Guard Unit. Inspired by that officer’s dedication and professionalism, Westmoreland redirected his ambitions towards law enforcement.

On 18 September 2018, he commenced training at the Felix Austin Police College. His commitment, humility, and discipline quickly set him apart, and upon completion, he graduated as the Best Student of his batch — a sign of greater things to come.

Following graduation, Westmoreland was posted to the Presidential Guard Unit, stationed at the State House, where he served for five years with an unblemished record. “I was never late, never absent, and never had any disciplinary matter against me,” he proudly stated. “I loved what I was doing.”

His dedication and professionalism earned him another opportunity — a place on the Standard Officer’s Course #56 at the Guyana Defence Force.

Over the past two years, he faced one of the most challenging yet rewarding periods of his life. The training was gruelling, encompassing Jungle Warfare Instructor Course, Skill-at-Arms, Military Drills at Instructor Level, Range Management, and Basic Amphibious Training — which included boat-capsize and man-overboard drills.

During his second year of training, he had to complete an Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies at the University of Guyana — a testament to his resilience and determination to excel both academically and professionally.

However, the road was not without hardship. During training, Westmoreland developed shin splints that eventually led to a fractured foot. Yet, true to his indomitable spirit, he refused to give up. “There were many sleepless nights, and our discipline was tested in all forms,” he recalled. “But you can’t lose your composure. You have to operate as if nothing is bothering you.”

Despite the physical pain, he continued to perform at the highest level in every area of assessment. To qualify as “Best Student” on the course, one must excel in physical endurance, discipline, leadership, and the demanding Jungle Phase, which includes swimming a timed distance down the Essequibo River to earn the coveted Jungle Badge. Westmoreland passed every test with distinction.

When asked what drives him, he humbly shared his personal philosophy: “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.”

Beyond the medals and accolades, his story is one of integrity, character, and conviction. He describes himself as a fair and principled individual who believes deeply in justice and discipline. His ultimate dream is to one day become a pilot and, in time, the Commissioner of Police — roles he views not as positions but as those requiring a lot of dedication and hard work.

Reflecting on his journey, he also offered words of wisdom for the nation’s youth: “Find purpose in your life. Set goals and objectives, and work towards them but don’t give yourself deadlines. There is no law that says at a certain age you must achieve success. Move at your own pace, and never give up.”

From a boy in Tuschen with a dream to a disciplined officer leading by example, Cadet Officer Roger Junior Westmoreland embodies the spirit of perseverance and excellence. His life stands as proof that no challenge is insurmountable when guided by faith, hard work, and integrity.

Indeed, from the West Side to the Parade Square, his story shines as a symbol of honour, courage, and purpose.

The Commissioner of Police, the Executive Leadership Team, and the senior and junior officers of the Guyana Police Force extend heartfelt congratulations to Cadet Officer Westmoreland on his outstanding achievement.

(Guyana Police Force: Story by CCU’s Troy Van Rossum)