In a milestone achievement that highlights both individual excellence and growing regional cooperation in Caribbean law enforcement, Belize Police Inspector Ester Cal has graduated as valedictorian of the 2026 inaugural Junior Officers’ Course hosted by the Guyana Police Force Academy. The intensive two-month training program brought together 31 law enforcement and security professionals from 10 Caribbean nations, all gathered to sharpen leadership skills, boost professional capabilities, and strengthen collaborative ties across the region.
Cal not only claimed the top graduating honor but also shared the prestigious Best Academic Paper Award with Assistant Superintendent Chatram of the Guyana Police Force, a dual recognition that underscores her exceptional academic and practical performance throughout the course.
As Deputy Commander of the Belize Police Department’s Mobile Interdiction Unit, Cal’s success is being celebrated as more than a personal win. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith, a staff officer with the Belize Police Department, emphasized that the achievement reflects both Cal’s unwavering commitment to ongoing professional development and Belize’s expanding role as a respected leader in regional public safety.
In an official statement released following the graduation, the Belize Police Department and the Ministry of Home Affairs extended formal congratulations to Cal. Officials noted that her outstanding performance showcases the professionalism, dedication, and commitment to excellence that define Belize’s law enforcement community, while bringing national pride to the small Central American nation on the Caribbean regional stage.
This accomplishment comes as Caribbean law enforcement agencies increasingly prioritize joint training and cross-border collaboration to address shared transnational security challenges, from organized crime to illicit trafficking. Regional training programs like the Junior Officers’ Course are designed to build a unified, skilled network of law enforcement leaders equipped to tackle these complex issues across national borders.