IN readiness for the May 11 General and Regional elections, the Guyana Association of Private Security Organizations (GAPSO) on March 24 completed a series of specialised security training for private security officers. The exercise, which was conducted in three batches of forty officers, was held on February 17, March 10, and March 24 respectively, according to a release from GAPSO. .
Private security officers play a critical role in protecting public safety, critical infrastructure, and property across Guyana. Private security is responsible for thousands of lives and billions of dollars in assets and this training was designed to augment security officer’s skills with specialty training in effective election security issues, the release stated.
Instructions provided basic knowledge, skills, and a conceptual understanding so that officers could effectively and efficiently make the right decisions and act decisively in executing their duties during this period.
Using classroom lectures, discussions, and practical exercises, the course covered the Public Order Act, Orders for Opening Fire, Potential Election-related disturbances, and the role of private security during the electoral period.
Participants represented were Banks DIH, Security Alliance, Federal Management Systems, MMC, Bank of Guyana, Kalibur, Sentinel Security and Integrated Security Services.
Course instructors included Lt Col Randy Storm; Mr. Whittington Braithwaite; Mr. David Moore; Mr. Carlos Beaton; and Mr. Stanley Leitch. On completion of the course, it is expected that the graduates will in turn train more than 5,000 officers in their respective organisations, the release concluded.