$57M spent on modernising three East Coast police stations - As part of Citizens Security Programme
Georgetown, GINA, June 23, 2012 -- Source - GINA
Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee taking a tour of the remodelled Mahaica Police Station
Residents on the East Coast of Demerara will now benefit from better equipped and technologically advanced police stations in ‘C’ Division with the commissioning of three rehabilitated police stations at Mahaica, Sparendaam and Beterverwagting.
This is part of the modernisation component of the Citizens’ Security Programme (CSP), which is a project funded by the Government of Guyana and the Inter-American Development (IDB).
The Mahaica police station was rehabilitated at the cost of $19M, Beterverwagting $17M and Sparendaam, $21M. They are now fully equipped with modern amenities such as an interviewing room; designed to safeguard confidentiality and a highly computerized system will enable the transmission of vital information to Integrated Crime Information System (ICIS) and the Home Affairs Ministry.
This information will be analysed, which in turn will enable to force to act more expeditiously. In order to ensure that this system works effectively, Government will be hiring approximately 60 data entry clerks to work at the various stations; with the ultimate objective of having information transmitted on a “real-time” basis.
The remodelled Beterverwagting Police Station
Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee said that from a civilian perspective, Region Four has been experiencing rapid economic and social development and as such, the need for more improved and efficient security services has been intensified.
“As the population increases and engages in more social and economic activities there is need for better facilities for the people who live on the East Coast corridor, because without a certain level of comfort, residents will shy away from investing in business and entrepreneurial ventures,” the Minister explained.
He added that a move in this direction will go a long way in the maintenance of law and order and explained that even though this modernisation project falls under the CSP, Government has also been allocating significant sums in the national budget each year to upgrade facilities in the security sector.
“Building of the GPF is the public face of the force… people draw conclusions when they see a dilapidated police station or building and ask questions…that is why Government considers it so important in the rehabilitation of police stations across the country,” the Minister said.
Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee participating in the ceremonial ribbon-cutting to commission the remodelled Sparendaam Police Station
CSP, Project Coordinator, Khemraj Rai said that the remodelled stations provide a more user friendly environment in which citizens will feel more comfortable.
Eighteen stations have been rehabilitated under the CSP; six in Region Six and 12 in Region Four (between Mahaica and Timehri).
Commissioner of Police (ag), Leroy Brummel expressed his gratitude to Government in trying its utmost to ensure that the GPF is adequately equipped to fulfill its mandate of service and protection.
He called on ranks to maintain a high level of professionalism and integrity at all times and urged senior officers to identify junior ranks who are in need of the necessary training to develop interpersonal skills.
In September 2011, several contracts totalling $134.5M were signed as part of the CSP, for the rehabilitation of the police stations.
The remodelled Timehri and Providence stations are slated to be commissioned shortly.