However, in a statement following the killing of Detective Sergeant Harry Kooseram on Monday morning, Gajraj said the recent attempts have engendered a high `esprit de corps' and a full commitment to duty among the ranks of the Police Force.

Kooseram was shot six times on the Strathspey public road while on his way to work.

Police said a man approached the 37-year-old Sergeant, pulled out a gun which was wrapped in paper and fired six shots at him - two in the chest, three in the abdomen and one in the side.

Gajraj said that yet another member of the Force "has been brutally murdered by bullets of a criminal, who apparently got refuge from residents of Friendship/Buxton".

Kooseram was the second member of the Police Force who was gunned down by criminals within recent times. Superintendent Leon Fraser was killed two weeks ago by a gang on the East Bank Demerara.

"On behalf of the Government of Guyana and myself, I should like to join with the Guyana Police Force and all law abiding Guyanese to express condolences to the family and relatives of the late Sergeant Kooseram. I wish to assure them that we will leave no stone unturned to bring his to assailant justice", Minister Gajraj said in his statement.

He yesterday afternoon visited the Bladen Hall home of Kooseram, offering sympathies to his bereaved wife, Pulmattie, 37, and two daughters Suzie, 17, and Mandy, 13.

Gajraj said members of the Force must be commended and encouraged by the support and cooperation of all law-abiding citizens.

"We must not accept or tolerate those negative and criminal activities...in our society", he stated.

He said it was unfortunate that "there are those, including several media operatives, who seem inclined to glorify the lawlessness of these criminals".

"Those who are concerned about the welfare of our nation should raise their voices against this brutal attack upon the men and women tasked with the responsibility to ensure our safety", he said.

He said that on the part of the Government, "the welfare and interest of members of the Force would remain a top priority and is being constantly addressed".

Gajraj called on all Guyanese to assist the Police "by eschewing evil and embracing that which is good to advance our society in peace, security and stability".