A GINA Feature
COGNISANT of the fact that infrastructural and institutional strengthening alone cannot result in the kind of transformation that is required in a rapidly developing country, the duly elected members of the PPP/C Government are constantly working to ensure that the legislative framework of governance remains relevant or amendments are made where necessary to suit the demands of a changing society.
To complement the ongoing modernisation that has been taking place within the security sector and its sub-agencies, several key pieces of legislation were taken to the National Assembly by Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee to transform the sector and provide improved security services to citizens.
Fire Service Improvement

In 2009, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) welcomed amendments to three comprehensive pieces of legislation. These are the Fire Prevention (Amendment) Bill, the Fire Service (Amendment) Bill and Fires and Casualties Inquiry (Amendment) Bill.
The Fire Prevention (Amendment) Bill amends the Fire Prevention Act and seeks to increase the number of members the Minister may appoint to the Fire Prevention Board, which was established a few years ago, (from nine to 12).
Government recognises that due to the expanding nature of the city, coupled with the changes that have occurred over the years, many new challenges have emerged. It is against this backdrop that the need for an increase in representation in terms of the composition of the Board was seen as necessary.
The Fire Service (Amendment) Bill provided for an increase in penalties and fines that are contingent on the violation of the Fire Service Act to reflect current values. This amendment was brought to bear after it was recognised that during the outbreak of fires, many persons would prove themselves to be public-spirited persons by assisting fire fighters.
However, there are some individuals who, under the guise of rendering assistance, proved to be hindrances thus preventing the ranks of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) from performing their duties effectively.
The Bill also provides for penalties to be imposed on persons who are in the habit of making false alarms to the GFS and for increased fines for persons who are caught impersonating ranks at the scene of a fire with the sole intention of pillaging.
The Fires and Casualties Inquiry (Amendment) Bill makes provision for a Magistrate to conduct a public inquiry into any fire casualty where the report from an investigation by the Fire Service discloses sufficient reasons for holding an inquiry.
These timely legislative interventions coupled with the plans for infrastructural developments, equipment boost and personnel upgrade will mobilize the entity to provide effective and efficient service to Guyanese citizens.

Tackling cross border crimes and narco-trafficking
In December 2009, the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill was passed. It makes provision for assistance in criminal matters between Guyana and countries that have a treaty with Guyana concerning such assistance.
The Act applies with all necessary modifications to any country that has a bilateral treaty with Guyana in respect to mutual assistance in criminal matters, as well as any country that is party to the United Nations (UN) Convention against illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
Hence the same treatment that is meted out to Commonwealth countries will also be applied to countries that are not within the Commonwealth.
Recognising the importance of international cooperation in order to fight the drug trade and cross-border criminal activities, this Bill will take Guyana a step further in its international relations with other countries particularly those within the Commonwealth as it relates to criminal matters.
Additionally, the enactment of a modern Anti-money laundering, countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill, the Interception of Communications Bill and the Criminal Procedure (Plea Bargaining and Plea Agreement) Bill are seen as additional weapons in the arsenal of the law enforcement agencies to fight crime in Guyana.

Standardising Private Sector Security Services
Over recent years, the demand for Private Security Services has grown significantly and as such, the urgent need to streamline and regulate the business of private security agencies became necessary in order to ensure better organized and disciplined quality of these services.
In light of this, the Private Security Services (Regulation) Bill was passed in November 2009 subsequent to widespread consultations with stakeholders.
The Bill sought to constitute private sector security companies under an arrangement where they will be more structured to provide quality service to their clients by enhancing accountability in the reform process by the private security sector.
In response to numerous complaints of unprofessionalism and dissatisfaction by clients, this will ensure that a high standard of service is being provided, while at the same time protecting human rights in compliance with labour laws.
Legal provisions are also made to ensure that the industry and its guards are not used to promote any illegal agenda, while at the same time, forging better relations between the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the private security industry.
The demand for private security service has increased significantly in all the regions with higher concentrations in Regions 3, 4, 6, and 10, with over 2,516 locations.
Justice Sector Reform
To complement the Security Sector modernisation process, the Justice Sector has been undergoing it own reformation to ensure effective court systems and enforcement of laws.
This restructuring has seen several comprehensive pieces of legislation taken before the National Assembly that creates a conducive environment for the implementation of proper law enforcement.
These include: Time Limit for Judicial Decisions Bill, Administration of Justice Bill, Summary Jurisdiction (Lay Magistrates) Bill, Fugitive Offenders (Amendment) Bill, and most recent, the Court of Appeal (Amendment) Bill.
Under the PPP/C Administration, Guyana’s legislative architecture has radically transformed over the years. The enforcement of these statutes further strengthens the arms of law enforcement agencies so that citizens will derive the comfort and security of safer communities.