Latest update June 5th, 2026 12:40 AM
Latest News
Police modernisation plan urgently needed
Dear Editor,
Over the past decade, the Government of Guyana has undergone a fundamental transformation. Although facing internal challenges, by the army and police, Guyana has not been able to chart a course towards a modernised, economically and socially viable and progressive police force and army.
The contracts with a US firm to build capacity within the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Guyana Police Force is a good one as it set out to see the lawmen being trained in modern policing techniques.
This projects and strategy must lay a solid foundation for the renewal of virtually every element within the police force.
Although much remains to be done to fulfill this vision, aims to set a new course by recognising the interrelationship between the police and the society and, especially, the importance of the public confidence for sustained human development.
It should be noted that over the past few years, the government has taken a number of decisive measures to begin to address the challenges of the Guyana Police Force without success.
Improved budgeting and fiscal planning systems, combined with other initiatives such as improving public confidence in the integrity of the force.
This will lay a solid foundation on which to shape a comprehensive and forward-looking plan for the modernisation if it is to succeed.
Aware that trying to do “everything at once” would lead to certain failure, care and attention must be given to identify the vital interventions that will make the biggest difference.
This exercise will cost the Guyanese people US$$22 million. Hopefully it will be sharpened by keen awareness of the resources and skill constraints and other realities faced by Guyana.
Particular attention should be given to identifying the essential stumbling blocks for sustainable public confidence.
Concentrate on building lines of accountability, providing timetables and milestones and ensuring that top leaders in the force continue to play the lead role in planning, assessing progress and taking the decisions that will be required to sustain the long term project.
Finally, a three-element programme, phased over several years should be implemented to improve transparency by increasing access to information, streamline the regulatory framework of the police force and improve ethics and integrity.
Mohamed Khan
Share this:
Discover more from Kaieteur News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.