-Minister Rohee
MINISTER of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, has said that with the opening of new economic frontiers, such as mining and oil exploration, many new opportunities are opening up; and as such, a higher level of public safety and security is required from the security sector. The minister was at the time speaking on a panel discussion entitled “Budget Implementation”, along with colleague ministers, Priya Manickchand and Pauline Sukhai, on the National Communications Network (NCN).
Minister Rohee explained that as Guyana progresses further, it is attracting more and more foreign investors, which in turn leads to improved living standards, and, with this comes the need for stronger and more effective security services.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that there is a comfort level insofar as public safety and security are concerned; and for us to provide that, the organisations that fall under the Home Affairs Ministry, the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service and Guyana Prison Service, have to be adequately financed,” he explained.
The Home Affairs Minister said that it would be naïve to think that society can be completely rid of crimes and deviant behaviours; however, constant efforts have to be made to ensure that these issues are at a manageable level, so that people can work and engage in leisure activities without fear.
“These are the kinds of responsibilities we have; and the resources that have been allocated to us impose upon us the necessity to deliver a higher level of service to the people of Guyana,” Minister Rohee said.
Turning his attention to the protection of women and children, who are often described as the most vulnerable in society, the minister said that issues such as domestic violence and other forms of abuse have always existed in Guyana; however, the difference is that they were not dealt with as a policy issue as is the case today.
Government, under the stewardship of Minister Manickchand, during her tenure as Human Services Minister, spared no effort in tackling this matter in a holistic manner; raising awareness and enacting legislation to protect vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.
However, Minister Rohee explained that government alone cannot successfully eradicate this societal ill, and called on members of the various communities to assist.
With regard to border protection, the Home Affairs Minister explained that the country has bilateral cooperation agreements with Brazil, Suriname and Venezuela.
Additionally, there are several task forces, comprising all the law enforcement agencies, including the Guyana Defence Force, which meet on a monthly basis to address border security matters.
The $1.8B estimates for the Home Affairs Ministry were approved by the National Assembly on Thursday. (GINA)