A DONATION of US$20,000 worth of electronic equipment to the Strategic Planning Unit of the Guyana Police Force is expected to aid in its crime-fighting mandate and efforts.
The donation was made on Monday to Acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine at Eve Leary in Georgetown.
Present at the handing-over ceremony were U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway, British High Commissioner to Guyana Gregory Quinn and senior officers of the Guyana Police Force.

Acting Commissioner Ramnarine said it was only recently that the force began looking at reforming the security sector, a report of which has already been submitted to improve various sections of the force.
He said the force is striving to grow and develop its quality of service to the public, and training for members of the Strategic Planning Unit, which will lead to much- needed reform.

Noting that through its collaboration with the British and Americans, the GPF has had significant achievements, Ramnarine said the technological and electronic items they have received aided in the furtherance of the work done by the force.
“On behalf of our government and subject ministry, and in terms of the leadership of the force,” he said, “we are grateful for this timely donation in a continuing series of fruitful actions that will result in further efficiency of the GPF.”
In response, Ambassador Holloway said the equipment is being donated to the SPU on behalf of the US government, is courtesy of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative to further strengthen the capacity of the justice sector in Guyana.
He said the equipment will allow the SPU to operate more smoothly, since in today’s modern world, strategic planning cannot be done without modern equipment and electronics.

The collaboration, he said, seeks to strengthen law-enforcement capabilities, combating transnational crime, and promoting the rule of law.
“Through donations like this and others in the future, the US commits itself to assisting the Government of Guyana and law-enforcement institutions to promote the development of accountable and a professional criminal justice system,” Ambassador Holloway said, adding:

“We hold citizens’ security as paramount, and applaud the government and the SPU’s efforts to reform Guyana’s security sector, as well as our UK friends who are helping out in providing technical assistance, so that the police can move forward.”
He however noted that despite the reported 11 per cent decrease in serious crimes, more effort is still needed, “because one crime is one too many.”
He noted that informed choice and policy decisions will increase effectiveness of the many who have received training and assistance from the US government, and will allow the leadership of the police force to make better decisions for the good of the country.