THE Security Sector Reform Plan has been welcomed by numerous stakeholders as one that is sorely needed if there are to be positive results with regard to the nation’s security.
This was the view of Chairman of the Private Sector Commission Ronald Webster during an interview on the National Communications Network (NCN) yesterday.  Webster said though late, the reform plan is needed. “A quantum leap is needed of about 25 years for the security sector to get to a level needed to match present day criminals.” The plan is prone to fail, he added, if it is not fully supported by the populace and all political parties in the legislature.
Economically, Webster said such reforms will have an encouraging effect, citing the fact that potential investors, particularly those from overseas, would be more comfortable doing business locally if they were assured of their basic safety and an adequate police presence.
Soon after the Home Affairs Minister announced the reform, the Opposition declared that they will not support it under the minister.
The International Monetary Fund/Government of Guyana funded plan, which will encompass sweeping changes in the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service and Prison Service, is bigger than any personalities, Webster noted. He said all stakeholders have to ensure that it is instituted fully, so that it works effectively.
“I would like to see all play a role to ensure the plan is completed; and once started, it must be completed,” he said.
He also called for better salaries for the security sector personnel as this will attract a better quality of recruit and help to build more pride in the various services.
In an earlier statement supporting the reform, the commission had stated, “The PSC views the proposed reform as critical for the protection of the citizenry, the promotion of foreign and local investments, and the improvements in the livelihood of all Guyanese. We urge the public to pay keen attention to the measures being proposed and to appreciate the intended reforms. These measures can only realise their full potential and bring about the type of change needed if they receive the support of all Guyanese.”
Chairman of the Citizens’ Security Programme (CSP), Khemraj Rai, added his voice for all to support the plan. He said that remarks made by the political opposition, that they would not support the plan under Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, saddened him.
Rai said that following the crime wave from 2002, steps were taken to address many of the shortcomings of the force. This programme has been doing its part in training youths in various skills in Regions 4 and 6, in various areas such as anger management, personal development and some basic skills. Over 13, 270 youths have successfully completed these programmes and it is hoped that they can be expanded at a future date.
Rai added that steps have been quietly taken to enhance the force, such as the computerisation of all stations and linking those to central data bases at police headquarters. There are 60 civilians employed at various stations across the country and the plan will result in more of this. “This will help to free up more police ranks to do actual police work,” Rai said.
He too called on everyone to support the plan which will benefit the entire country, and bring with it modern practices, which are much needed.
The Guyana Police Force is set to benefit from all-encompassing changes when the five-year (2013 to 2017) Strategic Plan is implemented.
The plan, whose implementation will cost approximately $35M annually, will see the setting up of a Strategic Management Department which will have oversight for the Plan’s completion and the employment of 10 high level civilian professionals in non-line positions in the Force.
The UK based Capita-Symonds Consultancy will be contracted to focus on four critical areas in the Force, namely administration, succession planning, integrity/probity (professionalism) and public relations and communication.
Several civilians are set to benefit from the implementation of the strategic plan, as it will create employment for 60 data entry clerks to input data generated by the Integrated Crime Information System (ICIS) facilities at 42 police stations. Recruitment in this area has already begun.
The strategic plan for the Force was drawn up by the UK based Capita- Symonds Consultancy in 2010, while the implementation plan was made by US based Julian Laite Consultancy in February, 2012. (GINA)