Reconstructed Sparendaam, Mahaica police stations commissioned

Aug 01, 2025 News

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Kaieteur News – The Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday commissioned two more newly reconstructed police stations valued $255,936,852, this time at Sparendaam and at Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

According to information provided by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the buildings were declared opened by Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, Permanent Secretary, Andre Ally; Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’, Errol Watts and Regional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Khali Pareshram. Police have been using the facilities for several months now.

The reconstructed Sparendaam Police Station was done at a cost of $112,417, 334 and the Mahaica Police Station was completed at $143,519,518. Both which have been redesigned include a Witness and ID Parade room, Armory, Evidence Room, Child-friendly Area, Domestic Violence Interview and Waiting Area, Enquiries, O.C Office, CID office, Traffic Office, Senior and Junior living quarters and a male lock-ups.

The ministry noted that the Mahaica station comprises a Female and Juvenile Lock-ups, as well as a ZARA Computer Centre.

According to the Police Force, Commander Pareshram while addressing the ceremony noted that the new police stations would play an important role in reducing crime in the Division. The Commander stated that the two new facilities being commissioned come with added opportunities that will enable them to build trust and increase service delivery, since offices are now in place to deal with reports of gender-based violence and juveniles in a more private and confidential atmosphere, added physical security, and a more hospitable area to accommodate members of the public.”

He said, “Today is another remarkable day in the transformative journey of the Guyana Police Force, punctuated by this significant commissioning ceremony of two modern infrastructure and strategic acquisitions, well designed to meet the needs of the surrounding communities. It is also a historical opportunity, since this is the first time that two newly built police stations will be commissioned in this Division at the same time, which are strategically located, since, each sits at either the start or end of the Division.”

In highlighting the progress made in the Division with regards to reducing crime, the Commander stated that their focus on community-oriented policing and strategic intelligence-led policing, has resulted in a 24% reduction in serious crimes.

Speaking also was Deputy Commissioner who welcomed the new infrastructures, while adding, “We have seen a strategic plan that emphasizes the importance of structural development in the short, medium, and long term. Not only have we commissioned two buildings in Region 4‘C’, but we have also commissioned three buildings in Region Three and seven buildings in Region One. Across the country…from Region One, Region Two, Region Three, Region Four, including the Kitty Police Station, Diamond Headquarters, Farm Police Station, and others, [in total] we have commissioned in excess of 50 new buildings.”

In addition to these infrastructures, Watts disclosed also that very shortly, the Force will be receiving 50 double-cab pickups to be distributed across the country, along with 40 motorcars, both for traffic and general duties.

During his remarks also, Watts urged ranks in the Division to do what is required of them as members of the Force, stating that they must set the example that is expected of the public. “As members of the Force, we have to do what we are charged to do by law: serve and protect, and respond proactively to reports in the most intelligent way possible. [And] rest assured, we as a Force will provide all the resources you require to perform your duties. We, as members of the Force, must set the example that is expected of the public. We must be the example and we must set the example that we want to see in society,” he related.

Meanwhile, in a separate release, the ministry stated that a newly completed Police Living Quarters, valued at $25 million, was also officially opened at Cove and John. It was constructed to support the welfare of law enforcement personnel, and it includes three bedrooms, a kitchen, a laundry area, and a general living space. This will ensure officers are accommodated in conditions conducive to readiness and professionalism.

The ministry shared that Minister Benn reiterated the government’s strategic focus, not only on strengthening the physical infrastructure of the Force, but also on reshaping the ethos of policing in Guyana.

“We want a more empathetic police force. We want a more diverse police force. Each and every policeman can’t look like me. It can’t happen in a country that is multiracial, multireligious, and multicultural,” the minister related.

As for his piece, the Permanent Secretary highlighted the parallel investment in personnel welfare, noting that infrastructure development is being complemented by the provision of critical tools and support systems.

Having recently commissioned a few infrastructure facilities for the Police Force at Eve Leary and across various regions, the Home Affairs Ministry had shared that these investments form part of the Government of Guyana’s comprehensive strategy to strengthen public security institutions, improve working and living conditions for officers, and build greater trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

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• East Coast Demerara, Mahaica, police stations, reconstructed, Sparendaam

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