THE HOME Affairs Ministry (MOHA), in a press release yesterday, said the water cannon which was bought for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is completely under the control of that agency for any use it deems appropriate. Responding to an article in the Kaieteur News edition of Tuesday, July 24 last, under the caption ‘DECISION TO DEPLOY WATER CANNON RESTS WITH POLICE’, the Home Affairs Ministry said the article indicated that the water cannon costs $37M.
The release said that sum was budgeted in 2010, but the equipment was purchased at an actual cost of Gy$20.8M, and was handed over to the GPF on Monday, 18th June, 2012, when Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee handed over the keys to the GPF on the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) Drill Square at Eve Leary.
The GPF will decide where and when the water cannon is to be deployed in the national territory, the release disclosed, even as it said the equipment is intended to be used to restore public order should the occasion arise; and it can use foam, tear gas or water to disperse large crowds in the event of a riot.