THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) Marine Branch was enhanced yesterday afternoon with the acquisition of a boat at the Marine Police Station, Ruimveldt, Georgetown.
At a ceremony, Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee handed over the keys to the vessel to Commissioner of Police Henry Greene.
Rohee, in remarks, told the gathering that any modern police force must be equipped adequately, and hence the acquisition of a boat for the marine section to respond to crimes on the rivers and territorial sea as they work collaboratively with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to curb smuggling and illicit trade.
He added that the police marine branch can now be involved in authorized interdiction activities with the relevant law enforcement agencies in securing the waterways.
The Minister pointed out that the GPF has, over the years, been improving its capacity and there has been a constant upgrading in terms of training of the ranks and its modernisation drive.
He noted that the newly commissioned boat will prove to be useful to the GPF, despite recent controversies in sections of the media.
Minister Rohee urged the media to report on the marine’s successes in the same measure.
Rohee said the acquisition of the boat for the marine branch is part of government’s efforts to modernise the force and ensure it has the capacity to work with other law enforcement agencies in interdiction activities to deal with illegal smuggling of fuel, trafficking of narcotics and the trade in firearms.
The Minister also spoke of the modern equipment used by criminals and told the gathering that the GPF must try to outdo the criminals since it is a constant fight.
He added that government has set aside money for the acquisition of a water cannon and a mobile police station to respond to demonstration and crowd control.
He said this will not go well with some who think that the money should be used for other purposes.
Rohee also warned criminals, who use the rivers to engage in illegal activities, to look out for the police, since they will now go after them with the new well-equipped boat. The boat is second hand, was purchased overseas and underwent remedial repairs.
It is now equipped with state-of-the art electronic steering and a global positioning system among other modern equipment geared for unmatched performance at sea.
He also spoke of GPF recent acquisition of a fleet of new vehicles from the Ministry of Home Affairs to enhance its capabilities in confronting the challenges of crimes.
Meanwhile, the Top Cop, in brief remarks, said that there has been much improvement in the marine arm of the GPF, but much work is yet to be done.
He added that the reviews on the boat by specialists confirm that the fibre glass vessel is fully powered and equipped with four engines and all modern amenities, such as a fridge, bathroom, sinks, and a stove.
Greene added that based on their budget, the boat was the best they could acquire and they will be dealing with piracy and other water based criminal activities.
After the handing over ceremony, Minister Rohee, Commissioner Greene and several senior members of the GPF toured the boat and went out to sea for a test ride.