$17.5B to kick-start Rohee’s Security Sector plan

Mar 26, 2013 News

Guyana’s security sector will this year benefit from an infusion of a whopping $17.5B to continue the Government’s heightened focus in securing its citizens.
This figure, which was announced by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh in his 2013 budget presentation, is $1.1B more than what was allocated last year.

Ranks of the Guyana Police Force during an operation last year.

It will allow for specific interventions to be made to enhance citizen confidence in the law enforcement system, resulting from more police presence, and better trained professionals with greater attention to accountability.
According to the Minister, this will be the norm, particularly because this aspect of performance will be monitored closely to ensure standards are met.
There will also be a more intense collaboration among the joint services to ensure maintenance of security and stability.
Focus will be placed on enhancing physical infrastructure, and providing air, land and water transport and equipment for the sector to carry out its mandate effectively.
The Government has embarked on a comprehensive programme of reform to the security sector, which it sees as a long term process, and has designed a strategy which articulates a holistic approach to citizen security and safety, and public welfare.
The strategy focuses on key areas dealing with developing and strengthening administrative competencies, improving professionalism, strengthening accountability and integrity, deepening inter-organisational linkages for greater cohesiveness and impact, expanding on safe neighbourhoods pilots, and establishing houses of justice to allow for greater people participation and involvement in public safety and security issues.
On December 31, last, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee had unveiled an ambitious security sector plan, which is manifested in the allocation to the sector in this year’s budget.
Yesterday, the Finance Minister disclosed that $16.4B was expended last year for the continued development and modernisation of the security sector.
In this regard, five year strategic plans were completed for the Ministry of Home Affairs, Police and Prisons and now guide the priorities of these agencies.
With a view to ensuring that the operational capacity of the Joint Services is continuously improved and to complement the efforts of modernisation, $872.7 million was spent in 2012 on the acquisition and maintenance of essential security related equipment.
Additionally, with the operationalisation of the Integrated Crime Information System, thus improving the security forces’ capacity to collect and analyse crime statistics, 18 police stations in Regions Four and Six were equipped with computers and connected to force headquarters.
“Crime information can now be compiled electronically on a daily basis and shared with Force leadership, thus enhancing planning and use of resources.”
Minister Singh explained that with regards to the fight against drugs and piracy, the maritime sector will benefit from greater physical presence of maritime forces with the operationalising of floating bases in Regions Two and Six.
In support of further advancing the capabilities of the safety and security personnel, ranks of the Guyana Police Force from the level of Constable to Assistant Commissioner will benefit from mandatory overseas training.
The Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory will be completed and is expected to become operational in the latter part of the year.
According to the Minister the state-of-the-art laboratory will make a significant impact by providing sound scientific basis for investigations and expert testimony to support the adjudication of cases, and will thus raise the quality of analysis that can be carried out in our country to international standards.
He added that Guyana continues to play a principal role internationally in fighting crime.
“Our bilateral and multilateral efforts are mutually beneficial as Guyana supports the global campaign against drugs, money laundering, corruption, terrorism and illegal arms trade. Our relationships with our bilateral and multilateral partners in the global campaign against crime and violence have provided conclusive evidence of how valuable our contributions are seen,” the Finance Minister declared.