Oil boom drains police ranks

Feb 13, 2026 News

….as Hicken warns of retention crisis

(Kaieteur News) – Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken on Wednesday sounded the alarm over a growing retention challenge within the Guyana Police Force (GPF), warning that the country’s booming oil and gas sector is drawing away ranks even as the Force undergoes sweeping reforms.

Speaking at the opening of the Police Officers’ Conference, Hicken acknowledged that competition from the lucrative energy industry has made it increasingly difficult to retain officers.

Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken

Hicken said that while the Force has made significant strides, weaknesses must be confronted, particularly in infrastructure across hinterland and riverain communities. The police chief went on to say that retention of ranks has become an issue as they are now in competition with the oil and gas sector. Even though there is expansion beyond the 5557 police ranks which is the quota required, and diversity is being strengthened with women now making up 44% of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the challenge remains.

Speaking on crime, Hicken said the results of enhanced digitisation and accountability systems are evident. Serious crime declined by 25% in 2025 and current figures indicate a further 23% reduction this year. He said road safety enforcement has also shown marked improvement.

Since the launch of the Safe Road Intelligence System on April 7, 2025, road accidents have declined by 36%. With more than 50 monitoring sites nationwide and over 35,000 traffic tickets issued, the compliance rate currently stands at 40%. The Commissioner highlighted ongoing infrastructure development, including the construction and rehabilitation of 83 police stations. Riverain capabilities have been expanded with the establishment of boat houses across multiple regions, while mobile outposts have been deployed in communities such as Port Kaituma, Mon Repos and Lusignan. The Force has also introduced tourism policing and decentralised key services including passport processing, police clearances, certificates of fitness and firearm transactions to improve accessibility and bring services closer to communities.

Hicken said command accountability has been strengthened through quarterly regional performance assessments, routine risk evaluations, structured work plans, and continuous monitoring under the Force’s Risk Management and Monitoring and Evaluation Unit. Reforms are being guided by the Strategic Plan and Implementation Unit, which oversees crime, administration and public relations to ensure gaps are identified and addressed promptly.

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Clifton Hicken, Guyana Oil, Oil boom, police ranks

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