By Fareeza Haniff

Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee (center) flanked by Police Commissioner, Leroy Brumell (right) and Director of TEG, Dennis Hays. [iNews' Photo]

[www.inewsguyana.com] – Twenty Seven ranks from the Guyana Police Force will officially commence training for Guyana’s first ever Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and in his first address to the team members, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee made it clear that he is no expert on security issues.

During the official launch of the SWAT training at the Police Officers Training centre on Thursday, February 6, Rohee addressed the criticisms of the SWAT Team from so called “experts” on security issues.

He said “I am not an expert on security and I don’t have a wealth of information on security matters…. But this [SWAT Team] is not a backward movement. The [Guyana Police] Force does not move backward,” Rohee told the gathering.

Following the announcement of the establishment of the SWAT unit, the Guyana government came in for heavy criticisms from sections of society who felt that there is no need for such a team at this point in time.

However, Rohee holds an opposing view. “Will the establishment of SWAT Team in Guyana be helpful? Will it contribute positively or contribute negatively? I have no doubt in my mind that it will be helpful. The people will be the beneficiaries, they must be the beneficiaries,” Rohee said.

The SWAT Team. [iNews' Photo]

The Home Affairs Minister also made it clear that the SWAT unit will not be used as a political tool and was not established to oppress of suppress the people of Guyana.

According to the Security Minister, the team will only be used to fulfill its professional responsibilities.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Leroy Brumell in his remarks pointed out that the most important aspect of the Unit includes discipline, training and professionalism.

He implored that the team must be able to make positive decisions during emergencies. The 27 member team was chosen based on their age, health, mind set, years of service, experience and their overall conduct, Brumell explained.

The Government contracted the Emergence Group (TEG) to design and implement the unit.