Govt. commissions $444M in police facilities along East Bank Demerara

Jul 27, 2025 News

The $198 million Regional Divisional Police headquarters for the East Bank of Demerara.

Kaieteur News – The Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday commissioned approximately $444.67 million in infrastructure projects for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on the East Bank of Demerara.

The new Regional Division 4B Headquarters, the Providence and Herstelling/Farm Police Stations, and the Diamond Police Training Facility were commissioned by subject minister Robeson Benn.

The ministry said Benn and his team which included Permanent Secretary Andre Ally, joined ranks in the Diamond area to commission the new state-of-the-art Divisional Headquarters, a purpose-built command centre constructed at a cost of $195.8 million.

This headquarters is said to be equipped with advanced operational features, including holding cells, interview and ID parade rooms, a witness room, and dedicated offices for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Traffic Division. The facility is designed to improve coordination and response times across the region and beyond.

The new $82.4 million Farm/ Herstelling Police Station.

Specialized spaces such as a child-friendly interview room and a domestic violence support and waiting area among other modern facilities are also included. This, the ministry said underscores the ministry’s commitment to creating safer, more inclusive environments that prioritize the protection of vulnerable populations.

Following that, the Providence Police Station, which was rebuilt at a cost of $65.2 million was officially opened.

Kaieteur News understands that the new facility now features male, female, and juvenile lockups, witness and ID parade rooms, child-friendly areas, and a domestic violence interview and waiting area. It also houses an armoury, evidence room, and offices for CID, Traffic, and general enquiries, alongside new living quarters that is slated to promote officer welfare and ensure round-the-clock security coverage.

Also commissioned was the newly constructed Herstelling/Farm Police Station which cost $82.47 million.

The ministry shared that this new station meets national standards and addresses the critical need for increased police visibility along the east bank corridor, a rapidly developing area previously reliant on support from neighbouring jurisdictions.

Minister Benn also commissioned the new $98.5 million Diamond Police Training Facility. This training facility which expands access to essential community development programmes, offers courses in computer literacy, sewing, home economics, and other vocational skills.

According to the ministry, the facility aims to increase employability, reduce recidivism, and promote long-term social reintegration, particularly among youth and at-risk groups.

Minister Robeson Benn and Permanent Secretary, Andre Ally with ranks at the commissioning of the Diamond Police Training facility on Saturday.

Speaking at one of the ceremonies, minister noted the need for a new policing culture.

He said, “We need a new kind of policing, grounded in empathy, discipline, and restraint. Don’t respond with the first impulse. Be professional. Be understanding. These new facilities must be matched by a new culture in the Guyana Police Force. Infrastructure alone doesn’t change lives, people do.”

Meanwhile, in distributing safety helmets to the ranks, Permanent Secretary Ally said “If you love someone, make sure they wear a helmet. Better yet, if they don’t absolutely need to ride, encourage them to avoid it altogether. The risks are just too high.”

He also encouraged road users to speak up when they see reckless riding or poor road habits.

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Diamond Police Training Facility, Herstelling Police Station, Regional Divisional Police headquarters, Robeson Benn

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