PRESIDENTIAL Adviser on National Security, Brigadier (ret’d) Edward Collins is expected to present his first report to President David Granger by the end of August. The Adviser has been on a series of information gathering visits to Regions Five and Six, assessing the security resources and capabilities in these Regions.

Speaking with the Government Information Agency (GINA), on Monday, Collins said his visits provided material that he can use to formulate recommendations. He made it clear that he has no executive authority to implement any action whether those come from his recommendations or from elsewhere.

The Presidential Adviser was adamant that, contrary to what is referred to in the editorial of Stabroek News (Sunday, July 26, 2015), he has not interfered in the functions or space of the Minister of Public Security.

Collins said, “in fact, my first visit to the Police Headquarters was with the Minister and that was a very thorough and beneficial meeting.” Collins added that he has received full support from the minister, explaining that it was Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, “who called the head of CANU and told him to speak with me.” In addition, Collins explained that he has been working with the Minister, seeking his permission and approval to visit police stations, fire stations and the prisons.

Following on the relationship established at the first meeting at the Police Force Headquarters which was attended by the Commissioner of Police, Brigadier Collins said he was able to meet with the Commander of B Division Christopher Griffith.

In a telephone interview, the ‘B’ Division Commander indicated that he was able to provide a thorough brief to the Adviser because of the close working relationship established between the Guyana Police Force, the Ministry of Public Security and the Presidential Adviser. He said at no time did he get the impression that the Advisor was trying to usurp the role or functions of the Minister.

President David Granger has taken a focused approach to improving national security making it a top priority. Immediately on the return from the Caricom Heads of Government Conference, the President had summoned a high-level security meeting. That meeting was attended by the Prime Minister, the Ministers of State and Public Security and top officials of the Guyana Police Force and Guyana Defence Force.

It is expected that the recommendations from the Presidential Adviser will feed in to strategies and programmes to be implemented by the Ministry of National Security and other Ministries and agencies so that a comprehensive approach will be taken to improve security across the country. (GINA)