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RECENT reports by international organisations all point to a worrying trend in the area of crime and violence. In many countries, crime and violence are cited as being the Number One problem. The UNDP 2012 Caribbean Human Development Report, in focusing on Better Citizen Security, noted that organised crime and gangs are the sources of major lethal violence in the Region. It declared that youth violence is an important challenge, particularly in the form of youth gangs. This contributes to the popular perceptions of increasing insecurity.
This group of citizens, while not the only ones responsible for this state of affairs, will have to receive greater attention. After all, they will become the adults of tomorrow.
Inadequate and poor parenting; influences; exposure to violence at home, in schools, and the communities; poor or inadequate educational opportunities; and social exclusion have all been identified as contributing factors.
These are issues that will not simply disappear or fade out; they have to be tackled through multiple approaches by way of partnerships with government and civil society.
Guyana’s Citizen Security Programme (CSP) has been in the forefront of dealing with the issues at reference. From its people-centred approach in communities, to the modernisation and capacity building of key institutions, the CSP continues to change lives, and develop and implement strategies and changes to enhance the security of the people.
The Community Action component of the programme has been described as the crown jewel of the CSP. Almost 1,400 young people were trained in 24 skill areas over a two-year period. This was complemented holistictically, with the inclusion of programmes in Anger Management and Violence Prevention.
It was a tried and tested approach to creating safer neighbourhoods, which, from all indications, is bearing fruit.
Previous columns have looked at the all-important Security Strategic Plan, as outlined by the Honourable Home Affairs Minister, Mr Clement Rohee. Included in the plan are measures to improve the efficiency and operations of, and build public confidence in, the Guyana Police Force, and the Prison and Fire Services.
These are solid, implementable measures that are guaranteed to bring these institutions to a level comparable to any in the Region. Various phases are already in progress.
Continuing to look at the main law enforcement agency, the Guyana Police Force, is on the verge of a major transformation, with interventions in four key areas, which will see the establishment of a Strategic Management Unit comprising 10 high-level civilian professionals that will bring significant technical and efficient inputs to guarantee implementation.
To ensure plans are on track, there will be monthly consultations between the Ministry of Home Affairs and a Guyana Police Force Change Team to ensure the full implementation of the institutional modernisation of the Force. This is a mechanism that was established in 2006 under the CSP.
Under the CSP, several new police stations and outposts were commissioned, while 18 others were re-modelled. Two training colleges, two computer laboratories, and the holding centre for juveniles at Sophia were also remodelled.
Programmes have already been set in motion to civilianise mutually agreed clerical positions within the Force; this development had been discussed at length, as it would free up trained police ranks to deal more fully with issues of crime and violence.
In keeping with proposed changes to make the Force more efficient and results-oriented, Cabinet has approved a Policy on Study Leave for GPF ranks and the other two services. This proposed ‘study leave’ will allow them to pursue academic studies at the University of Guyana and other institutions of higher learning, both at home and abroad, without losing their benefits or entitlements.
To further the agenda, this year’s budget will see a radical shift in the provision for training, locally and abroad, with some 30% of the ministry’s budget being allocated for this purpose. From this year, all ranks from the level of Constable to Assistant Commissioner will receive overseas training.
Another significant move will see changes at the command of ‘E’ and ‘F’ Divisions. This is critical given the challenges and experiences with increasing economic and other activities in these regions. These two Divisions will be delinked, and headed by Senior Superintendents. They will be provided with adequate staffing, equipment, including land and water transport to ensure smooth operation and quick responses.
These issues, related to the GPF are highlighted to bring recognition to the fact that the authorities are serious and are being practical to realise a police force that is highly professional and pro-active to meet the challenges of law and order issues.
This group of citizens, while not the only ones responsible for this state of affairs, will have to receive greater attention. After all, they will become the adults of tomorrow.
Inadequate and poor parenting; influences; exposure to violence at home, in schools, and the communities; poor or inadequate educational opportunities; and social exclusion have all been identified as contributing factors.
These are issues that will not simply disappear or fade out; they have to be tackled through multiple approaches by way of partnerships with government and civil society.
Guyana’s Citizen Security Programme (CSP) has been in the forefront of dealing with the issues at reference. From its people-centred approach in communities, to the modernisation and capacity building of key institutions, the CSP continues to change lives, and develop and implement strategies and changes to enhance the security of the people.
The Community Action component of the programme has been described as the crown jewel of the CSP. Almost 1,400 young people were trained in 24 skill areas over a two-year period. This was complemented holistictically, with the inclusion of programmes in Anger Management and Violence Prevention.
It was a tried and tested approach to creating safer neighbourhoods, which, from all indications, is bearing fruit.
Previous columns have looked at the all-important Security Strategic Plan, as outlined by the Honourable Home Affairs Minister, Mr Clement Rohee. Included in the plan are measures to improve the efficiency and operations of, and build public confidence in, the Guyana Police Force, and the Prison and Fire Services.
These are solid, implementable measures that are guaranteed to bring these institutions to a level comparable to any in the Region. Various phases are already in progress.
Continuing to look at the main law enforcement agency, the Guyana Police Force, is on the verge of a major transformation, with interventions in four key areas, which will see the establishment of a Strategic Management Unit comprising 10 high-level civilian professionals that will bring significant technical and efficient inputs to guarantee implementation.
To ensure plans are on track, there will be monthly consultations between the Ministry of Home Affairs and a Guyana Police Force Change Team to ensure the full implementation of the institutional modernisation of the Force. This is a mechanism that was established in 2006 under the CSP.
Under the CSP, several new police stations and outposts were commissioned, while 18 others were re-modelled. Two training colleges, two computer laboratories, and the holding centre for juveniles at Sophia were also remodelled.
Programmes have already been set in motion to civilianise mutually agreed clerical positions within the Force; this development had been discussed at length, as it would free up trained police ranks to deal more fully with issues of crime and violence.
In keeping with proposed changes to make the Force more efficient and results-oriented, Cabinet has approved a Policy on Study Leave for GPF ranks and the other two services. This proposed ‘study leave’ will allow them to pursue academic studies at the University of Guyana and other institutions of higher learning, both at home and abroad, without losing their benefits or entitlements.
To further the agenda, this year’s budget will see a radical shift in the provision for training, locally and abroad, with some 30% of the ministry’s budget being allocated for this purpose. From this year, all ranks from the level of Constable to Assistant Commissioner will receive overseas training.
Another significant move will see changes at the command of ‘E’ and ‘F’ Divisions. This is critical given the challenges and experiences with increasing economic and other activities in these regions. These two Divisions will be delinked, and headed by Senior Superintendents. They will be provided with adequate staffing, equipment, including land and water transport to ensure smooth operation and quick responses.
These issues, related to the GPF are highlighted to bring recognition to the fact that the authorities are serious and are being practical to realise a police force that is highly professional and pro-active to meet the challenges of law and order issues.
